Senior confirmed
Senior Maltese dogs in California
Senior Maltese dogs for adoption in California
Meet 27 adoptable senior Maltese dogs (age 7+) in California. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready for a calm, loving home.
Older Malteses in California are often passed over for puppies, yet they're usually house-trained, settled in temperament, and ready to bond right away — and because they're fully grown, you already know their size and personality. Adopting a senior Maltese in California means welcoming a calm, grateful companion who can settle in from day one.
Last updated October 18, 2026 at 8:44 AM EDT. Listings refresh throughout the day. Always confirm a dog’s availability with the shelter or rescue before making plans.
Available senior Maltese dogs in California
27 senior Maltese dogs available in California.
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Lexi
Meet Lexi! This adorable Maltese is as sweet as they come! Lexi is a friendly little girl with a gentle personality and an irresistible cuteness that’…
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter • Santa Cruz, CA
10+ years
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Lizzie
Meet Lizzie! If you're looking for a tiny companion with a huge heart, you need to meet this sweet girl. Lizzie is an approximately 7 year old, 8 poun…
I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue • Corona, CA
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Champ
Meet Champ! This adorable Maltese boy is cute, sweet, and oh-so-friendly! Champ has lived with his mom, so he’s used to having canine companionship an…
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter • Santa Cruz, CA
10+ years
Petree
Meet Petree! He is a 12 year old, 13 pound miniature poodle and Maltese mix. Petree is a quiet, loving soul who wins hearts the moment he curls up bes…
Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
10+ years
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Trina
Meet Trina! Trina is a sweet and gentle 8 year old, 8 lb Maltese mix who loves nothing more than being close to her person. She has an affectionate na…
I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue • Corona, CA
10+ years
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Chewie
Meet Chewie! ❤️ Chewie is an approximately 11-year-old Maltese mix who weighs 14 pounds, and this sweet little boy is ready for a fresh start and a lo…
New Beginnings for Animals • Mission Viejo, CA
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Maya
Meet Maya! 🩷 Maya is an approximately 10–11-year-old small Maltese/Poodle-type mix with a gentle, sweet personality. She was rescued after her previo…
Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Coco
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Jurupa Valley, CA
Senior confirmed
Pearl
Meet Pearl When TLC K9 Rescue saved Pearl from the streets of Tijuana, she was so filthy that we couldn’t even tell what breed she was. But after a mu…
TLC K9 Rescue • Escondido, CA
Senior Maltese dogs in other states
Other senior dogs in California by breed
Adopting a senior Maltese in California — FAQ
What counts as a senior dog?
Most shelters and vets consider a dog "senior" around age 7, though large breeds often age sooner and small breeds a little later. Every dog listed here is 7 years or older.
How do I adopt a senior Maltese in California?
Open any dog's profile to see the shelter or rescue caring for them in California, then use the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization. Lily's Second Chance simply gathers senior Malteses in one place so they're easier to find.
Are there always senior Maltese dogs available in California?
Availability changes often as dogs are adopted and new ones are listed. If you don't see a senior Maltese in California right now, check back soon or browse nearby states — new dogs are added regularly.
Can I adopt a senior Maltese from California if I live elsewhere?
Often, yes. Many rescues and shelters in California arrange or help coordinate transport for the right adopter, while others prefer a local meet-and-greet first. Open a dog's profile and ask the organization directly how their out-of-area adoption process works.
Guides to help you decide
Getting started
Why Adopt a Senior Dog? 7 Reasons Older Dogs Make Wonderful Companions
Senior dogs are often calm, house-trained, and overlooked at shelters. Here are seven honest reasons an older dog may be the best companion you ever bring home.
6 min readUnderstanding ageHow Old Is a "Senior" Dog? Senior Age by Breed and Size
A dog is not "old" at the same age across the board — size and breed change everything. Here is how to tell when a dog becomes a senior, and what it means for care.
5 min readCare & healthCaring for a Senior Dog: Health, Diet, and Everyday Comfort
How to keep an older dog healthy and comfortable — vet care, senior-appropriate diet, joint and dental health, exercise, and simple home adjustments that make a big difference.
8 min readKnow a senior Maltese in California who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.