When Pets Become Family: A Program to Keep Older Adults and Their Companions Together

A new service addresses a gap many seniors face—how to maintain their bond with beloved pets when health changes demand more support When Jory Bunn's father-in-law, whom he affectionately called "Pops," was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer called glioblastoma, one of the greatest sources of comfort through his illness was his Labrador retriever, Diamond. But as Pops's condition progressed and he needed additional care support, a painful gap emerged: there was no reliable resource to ensure his beloved companion could stay by his side. Between family obligations and professional healthcare services, no one had the bandwidth to give Diamond the attention she deserved. It was a hard choice when Pops eventually asked Jory and his wife if they would adopt Diamond. They said yes—and today, Diamond remains part of their family. But that moment sparked something bigger. "We were thinking about our daughter, who had an au pair at the time," Jory recalls. "And we realized: Diamond was such a great help to Dad. What if there were pet au pairs? What if somebody could take care of your fur kid just as importantly as a human kid?" That question gave birth to Pau Pair—a pet care service designed specifically for older adults and individuals with physical or personal limitations who want to keep their pets close, even when their circumstances change. More Than Pet Sitting Pau Pair operates with a mission that resonates deeply with the aging community: helping people navigate major life transitions without losing their bond with their pets. The service offers several flexible packages tailored to different needs: Check-in: visits are ​short in-home visits that range from 15 minutes to an hour, covering essentials like litter box care, feeding & water refreshes, and quick enrichment activities—perfect for active residents or those needing daily support. Wag & Walk: provides structured exercise for pets whose owners can't manage longer outings, with many residents using this service on a recurring weekly basis. As Jory notes, a well-exercised pet is a better companion. StayOver: pet sitting serves dual purposes: covering vacation periods for owners who prefer not to board their animals, or providing overnight support during medical events or hospitalizations when pets shouldn't be left alone. Live-in: where a dedicated companion or “Pau Pair” is placed in the home to provide consistent care, supervision, and companionship for your pets Growing Success in Senior Living Communities What started as a personal mission has blossomed into a thriving business operating across multiple independent living facilities throughout the DMV. But what makes Pau Pair particularly effective in these communities is something that goes beyond logistics.