MIAMI -- When financial times are tough for Miami International Airport, it's time to turn to our furry friends for help.

County Commissioner Pepe Diaz hopes that a pet hotel at the airport will make travelers happy -- and bring in a few bucks.

"The pets are very pampered and people really love their pets. This is a good concept," Diaz told Local 10's Elena Echarri.

With a pet hotel right at the airport, pet owners could drop off their four-legged friends before leaving for a trip and pick them up on their way home.

Pet hotels have been moneymakers at other airports around the nation. At Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport, it is estimated that the pet hotel will collect about $4 million in rent and concession fees over a 15-year period.

In Jacksonville, the Pet Paradise has a bone-shaped pool and activities to keep pets happy. The facility is clean and they said they're doing well despite the economy.

Could a pet hotel work at MIA?

"With the economy what it is, we have to think outside the box and increase revenue production for the airport and make life better for our citizens," Diaz said.

A study will be conducted by the planning division at the airport to examine the feasibility of building and maintaining a pet hotel at the airport.

The full county commission will consider the proposal on June 3.