Hi James- I congratulate you on your upcoming trip to visit your son. I don't have a shelter, but I do have 7 ferrets (has been as high as 10 in the past) as well as 2 dogs and a bird. We travel quite a bit, and this is what I personally do. The 2 dogs go to a kennel that I've checked out and trust completely. For the ferrets and bird, I use a pet sitting service. It's always the same girl who comes out, and before she came for the first time I had her come over and meet everybody and learn the routine. Each time we leave for a trip I leave her a big list of detailed instructions, including who gets what meds (usually only have 1 on meds at a time anyway). I always make sure they know to do a headcount before they leave, and I leave the phone number I can be reached at as well as the vet's number and my parents number as an additional emergency number. I keep meaning to take pictures of each ferret for an additional back-up, but right now my ferrets are all easily distinguishable from each other, plus this girl knows them. My vet knows that she is to give whatever medical treatment she deems necessary to any sick ferret in case of an emergency and I'm not reachable for some reason. So far this has worked out well for me. I did a quick yellow pages check on the internet for pet sitting services in Winter Haven and didn't find anything specifically under "Pet Sitters", but did see several kennels and "pet resorts". While I doubt any of the places I saw would take in 15 ferrets, I would suggest that you call them and explain your situation and ask if they know of anyone reliable who does some home pet sitting (as in coming to your home daily for feeding, checking water, light cleaning of litter pans/papers, and a little play time) or would be willing to try it. Or try some vets offices. I used to work for my ferret's vet and we knew of a couple of people who did home pet sitting but didn't advertise in the phone book, and a few of us employees did it sometimes as well. Good luck- hopefully you can find someone to watch the "non-kennelable" animals. 4 days is a long time to leave them unattended. Maybe they'd be okay, but why risk it? Plus even if they were okay in the food and water department, don't you think they'd feel abandoned? I'd be worried that new behaviors might emerge out of loneliness or depression or frustration. Maybe some would quit eating, or one would decide to dump or knock off all the water supplies, or something even worse. I'm babbling now, but you get my drift. I'd try calling around and seeing what you can find. Good luck, and have a great visit with your son! Jamie [Posted in FML issue 3377]