You've seen them: Mutts who proudly sport their colorful kerchiefs as they whiz past you in their owners' speedboats, or beagles tearing down the beach after a Frisbee. They're Labs who hike the Appalachian Trail, or cats who sample room service at a pet-friendly hotel. They're pets on vacation.

More than 29 million Americans say that they've traveled with their pet in the past three years — usually with their dog — according to the Travel Industry Association of America.

Pets2bed.com (ENLARGE)

The Pet Stow and Go Car Safety Seat for pets on the go.

Handout (ENLARGE)

The Click n Go car seat and carrier is for cats.

Premier Pet Products (ENLARGE)

Fido Float helps dogs keep their heads above water.

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And manufacturers everywhere are eager to make that journey a little easier, whether it's a portable dog "haus" or a dog GPS system for your peace of mind.

On the road

The Click n Go Car Seat

and Carrier, $109.99

Most cats aren't big on travel, but there are exceptions. If your kitty likes to hit the road, this Click n Go Car Seat and Carrier ensures that your feline is comfortable and safe.

It supports pets up to 15 pounds, and its base connects easily to your car's seatbelt. Does the one-button connect and release system look familiar? It works just like child car seats, making it easy to secure and remove.

The top lid allows you to feed or comfort your cat without risking its escape (also made for dogs) .

On sale for $69.99 at DrsFostersmith.com.

Upon arrival

Fido Float, $23.99 and up

If you're heading to the lake, the perfect accessory for your canine co-captain is the Fido Float.

Lightweight with an easy tail-to-collar zippered opening, the Fido Float is made of sturdy nylon with a mesh underside and comes in bright colors that make it — and your pup — easier to spot.

And if Fido goes overboard, this buoyant swim aid with its specially placed handles make your dog easy to retrieve.

Fido Float retails for $23.99-$49.99, depending on size, at Atlanta Petcos, and is also available at Petco.com and Amazon.com.

The Xtreme Fido Float, featuring additional reflective strips and durable scratch-resistant material, is $30-$40, depending on size, and is available at REI.com.

On the road

Pet Stow and Go Car Safety Seat, $89.95

What pup doesn't like to watch the world go by? When you're packing for a trip, pack a bag for Rova, too.

This booster seat by Snoozer is a combination car seat, suitcase and pet bed. It secures with your car's seatbelt and gives small dogs — up to 10 pounds — the safe perch they need to enjoy the ride.

Its safety hook attaches to your pet's harness, an essential for safe travel with your pet. And once you arrive at your vacation destination, convert it into a bed and Rova will be ready to roll after a good night's rest.

Available from www.pets2bed.com.

Car Mate Bench Seat Cover, $125

Summer means fun ... and shedding. Better than towels or blankets, this comfortable and padded microsuede dog seat cover protects your car's upholstery. The cover is hair-, stain- and odor-resistant. Its tufted design prevents bunching.

The cover is easy to install and remove, and when you get home, you can just toss it in the washer. With dimensions of 57 inches long by 19 inches wide mean that it will fit most bench seats.

Available at fetchdog.com.

Snoozer Car Safety Harness, $35 and up

Comfortably securing your dogs as you drive is good for them and for you, too. They're safe and you're not distracted. This Car Safety Harness from Snoozer Pet Products comes in five sizes, from extra small to extra large. Its universal metal buckle fits into the seatbelt receptacle, and the vest-style harness has been crash tested to the same standards as a child safety seat.

The product retails for $35-$50, depending on the size, at www.petsnap.com.

Upon arrival

Spill-Less Smart Bowls, $11-$13

Some traveling pets like to nosh even as they're speeding along the interstate.

But the last thing you need is dog food crunching underfoot in your car, or a bowl of water sloshing onto your upholstery. The Spill-Less Smart Bowl magically redirects the contents back into the bowl.

Dishwasher safe, the bowls come in 8- and 10-inch sizes.

Available at Petsense, Top Dogs Pet Boutique in Kennesaw, Bath & Bones in Cumming and online at Amazon.com.

Instent Dog Haus, $70

Unless you're headed way north, you might want to think about offering your buddy a shelter from the heat and sun.

Abogear's Instent — as in "instant tent" — Dog Haus is a real pup tent. Weighing only 6 pounds and with roomy dimensions of 42-by-42-by-33 inches, it's big enough for large dogs and requires no tools to assemble. Its functional door and mesh air vent windows can be opened for ventilation, and its cover boasts SPF 30.

Available from Abogear.com and other Internet retailers.

Man's Best Friend, $20

Spot may have gotten a new set of vacation kerchiefs for the trip, but what about those old, gnawed toys? You could bring along old Frisbees and tennis balls, but why not treat your pup to a vacation play kit instead?

Abogear's Man's Best Friend package includes a towel, leash and collar, soft ball, soft Frisbee, tennis ball, squeaky ball and doughnut, and the "stuff bag" makes it easy to pack.

Available from Abogear.com.

Peace of mind

Petgear 9 Zoombak Advanced GPS Dog Locator, $199.99, plus monthly fee

The story of the show dog who escaped its airplane crate and remained lost haunts many vacationing pet owners. Maybe you have a "runner," or just a pup who's disoriented by new surroundings.

If you worry about losing your pet, you might find the Zoombak Advanced GPS Dog Locator a worthwhile investment. Attach the GPS device to your adventurous canine's collar and the lightweight locator allows you to pinpoint your dog's location.

The device's battery lasts up to five days on standby or up to 150 location requests before recharging. It is recommended for dogs 15 pounds and over, so may not be a workable solution if your pal is a Pomeranian.

It carries a $9.95 monthly fee (a minimum service term is required), and is available at some Circuit City and Petsmart locations and on Petsmart.com.

Pet Tags Lost Pet

Recovery System, $5.99

Guarding against lost pets can be as easy as making new tags.

Pet safety advocates recommend that you have all pets micro chipped. Also that when you head out of town, spending a couple of bucks to make new tags that list your cell number and even your vacation destination where you're staying put.

Petco has the Pet Tags Lost Pet Recovery System, which is a personalized tag that includes a toll-free number that's staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The tag displays the identification number only — not your personal information. Your registration form includes your name, address and phone number along with alternate numbers, veterinarian information and more. The system is recommended by the American Canine Association.

Personalized tags retail for around $6 and can be made at Petco.

The Pet Tags Lost Pet Recovery System is available at Petco and Petco.com.