10+ years
Taima
Taima is a sweet girl, estimated DOB in 2016. She has been described as friendly but shy. She found herself in a loud, cold and scary shelter and it w…
Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, NC
Senior Rat Terrier dogs
Senior Rat Terrier dogs for adoption
Meet 39 adoptable senior Rat Terrier dogs (age 7+) from shelters and rescues across the country. Older dogs are often calm, house-trained, and ready to love from day one. Showing 1–30 of 39 below.
About adopting a Rat Terrier
Small, quick, and sharp-eyed, the Rat Terrier was developed as a farm dog who kept barns clear of vermin. An older Rat Terrier keeps the bright, alert expression, but the endless zip of youth gives way to a more measured pace. Many senior Rat Terriers still enjoy a good sniff around the yard and a short chase after a toy, then happily curl up under a blanket for the rest of the afternoon.
Living with one past 7 tends to mean a devoted, sometimes clingy companion who likes to be on a lap or pressed against a leg. Dental disease is commonly seen in small older dogs, so ask about tooth condition. Luxating kneecaps and stiffness in the back are also worth asking the shelter and your veterinarian about. Their short coat is easy to care for, though thin-coated seniors feel the cold and appreciate a sweater.
Older Rat Terriers are frequently overlooked in favor of puppies, which is a shame because they are portable, tidy, and usually house-trained. What an adopter gets is a compact dog with a big personality and years of habits already in place. Read through the shelter's notes and discuss them with your veterinarian before bringing one home.
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 Rat Terrier dogs
39 senior Rat Terrier dogs available.
Senior confirmed
Sugar
Sugar is a Rat Terrier mix born approximately August of 2016. She likes to run around in the yard and hang out with her human once she gets to know yo…
Straydog Inc • Gun Barrel City, TX
10+ years
Skipper
Paws of Dixie Animal Rescue - RI • Johnston, RI
10+ years
Sybil (OR)
After being adopted to a loving home for almost 10 years, Sybil found herself back with New Rattitude after her person fell too ill to care for her an…
New Rattitude, Inc. • Atlanta, GA
10+ years
Rocky
At 11 years young, Rocky has officially earned his title as a professional couch companion, expert snuggler, and certified Good Boy! Rocky is a neuter…
REACH Rescue, Inc • Mundelein, IL
10+ years
Buster
Meet Buster! Buster is a sweet, gentle 12-year-old boy with the calmest, easiest-going personality. He doesn’t ask for much, just a comfortable place …
Piedmont Animal Rescue • Mooresville, NC
10+ years
Vincent "Vinny" LaGuardia Gambini
Meet Vincent LaGuardia Gambini! Vincent LaGuardia Gambini—aka Vinny—is a 10-year-old Rat Terrier/Chihuahua mix weighing about 22 lbs. And just like hi…
Community Animal Welfare Society • Salt Lake City, UT
Senior confirmed
Fawn
Meet Fawn! Meet Fawn! ❤️ Fawn is an 8-year-young senior girl who has so much love left to give. She’s the perfect mix of chill and spunky —happy to re…
Lucky Tales Rescue • Ft. Thomas, KY
10+ years
Jack
This is a courtesy post. This animal is not at Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue. Please do not contact Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue regard…
Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue • Rutherfordton, NC
Senior confirmed
Codie
Codie is a lovable dog. He likes to be close by you. He likes to go on walks. He is a pretty good eater, more of a grazer. He is chipped. He is up on …
Holly Stover • Silver Spring, MD
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Christina
A little dog with a big heart! Christina is a 37-pound Rat Terrier Mix who is the sweetest little doggy in the world! She is potty trained and walks o…
Humane Society of Central Texas/City of Waco Animal Shelter • Waco, TX
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Jax (WA)
Dapper 12-year-old Jax is an active and smart boy who will be a wonderful companion for the right person! Jax is a 25 lb. rat terrier. He is in excell…
New Rattitude, Inc. • Atlanta, GA
Senior confirmed
Chang
Hi! Thanks for noticing me! I am currently at the Norfolk Animal Care & Adoption Center on stray hold while I wait for my owner(s) to come find me. Du…
Norfolk Animal Care Center • Norfolk, VA
Senior confirmed
Max (VA)
Max is a sweet 8 year-old, 20 lb. male rat terrier mix who has a calm temperament and personality. He can be a little shy at first but once he is comf…
New Rattitude, Inc. • Atlanta, GA
Senior confirmed
Nixie (WA)
Nixie is very sweet and mild. She's about 8 years-old, fully house-trained, and weighs 17 lbs. She loves all humans and is very sweet and easy to hand…
New Rattitude, Inc. • Atlanta, GA
10+ years
Georgie P (CA)
Outgoing and friendly, even with strangers, Georgie P. is a great companion for anyone wanting a reliably house-trained, well-mannered snuggler who ge…
New Rattitude, Inc. • Atlanta, GA
Senior confirmed
Jeri
When Jeri and Meri were found, they were essentially feral. They were hiding under a shipping container they had adopted as their home. It is unknown …
Desoto Animal Rescue Society • Horn Lake, MS
10+ years
Lola (CA)
Sweet Lola's goal in life is to live in a home where she can be in the company of humans as much as possible. She will lavish her total loyalty on one…
New Rattitude, Inc. • Atlanta, GA
Senior confirmed
Luna (Guardian Assist)
Luna is an active 9 year old Rat Terrier in good health. She was rescued from a shelter in May of this year & I was asked to take 2 dogs because they …
Furry Friends Rescue • Fremont, CA
Senior confirmed
Flopsy
Meet Flopsy and Mopsy, an adorable bonded pair of 8-year-old Rat Terrier mixes looking for a forever home together! Flopsy weighs 17 pounds, and her b…
Wish Bone Canine Rescue • Normal, IL
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Branley
Branley may be a senior, but don’t tell him that—he’s too busy enjoying life his way. At 12 years young, this charming Rat Terrier has perfected the a…
Polka Dogz Pet REscue, INc. • oakland, FL
10+ years
Woodford
Meet Woodford! If you're looking for an easy and chill boy, Woodford is absolutely for you. With some young dog spunk still left in those bones, he's …
Lucky Pup Rescue SC • Greenville, SC
Senior confirmed
Velcro (AG26-27)
Colorado · Fence Requirement · May do best with another dog
National Mill Dog Rescue • Colorado Springs, CO
Senior confirmed
Twotwo (AG26-26)
Colorado · Special Medical Needs · Requires Another Dog · Fence Requirement
National Mill Dog Rescue • Colorado Springs, CO
10+ years
Cami (AG26-20)
Colorado · Fence Requirement · Dog Selective
National Mill Dog Rescue • Colorado Springs, CO
10+ years
Bobby
Meet Bobby ! Bobby is a distinguished, easygoing gentleman who is all about the simple pleasures in life: tasty snacks, cozy naps, and endless couch c…
Hunter's Village Rescue • Orlando, FL
10+ years
Baxter
Los Angeles Adoption Search Dogs Baxter Email Me Info Share Adopt me Email Me Info Share Adopt Baxter Adopt Dog, looks like Terrier, Rat/Mix Age Senio…
Best Friends Animal Society — Los Angeles • Los Angeles, CA
Senior Rat Terrier dogs by state
Other breeds
Adopting a senior Rat Terrier — FAQ
Do senior Rat Terriers still have a strong prey drive?
Many do. The instinct to chase small, fast-moving animals is deeply rooted in the breed and often stays with a dog into old age. That can be a concern in homes with pet rodents, birds, or cats. Ask the shelter how the dog has behaved around small animals and keep early interactions supervised.
How much exercise does an older Rat Terrier need?
Usually a couple of short walks and some indoor play each day. Older Rat Terriers tend to be happy with modest activity, though they still like to sniff and explore. Let the dog set the pace, watch for limping or stiffness afterward, and adjust as your veterinarian advises.
Are Rat Terriers good senior dogs for first-time owners?
Often yes. Older Rat Terriers are small, generally house-trained, and eager to bond with a person. They can be vocal and stubborn, and they do not like being left alone for long stretches. A first-time owner who can offer company and consistent routines tends to do well with one.
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 Rat Terrier?
Open a dog's profile to see the shelter or rescue caring for them, then follow the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization.
Are senior Rat Terrier dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?
Often, yes. An older Rat Terrier is usually past the high-energy puppy stage and may already know basic commands, which can make ownership easier to ease into. Each profile and shelter can tell you about that dog's individual personality and needs.
Why adopt a senior dog instead of a puppy?
Senior dogs are calmer, usually house-trained, and let you skip the chewing and sleepless nights — and because they are the hardest to place, adopting one can quite literally save a life that might otherwise run out of time.
Are senior Rat Terrier dogs good with children or other pets?
It depends on the individual dog more than the breed alone. Each dog's profile and the shelter or rescue caring for them can tell you about their history with kids, cats, or other dogs. Senior dogs are often calmer and more predictable than puppies, which can make reading compatibility easier before you commit.
How much does it cost to adopt a senior Rat Terrier?
Adoption fees vary by shelter and rescue, but senior dogs are frequently discounted or even sponsored — because they wait the longest, many organizations offer reduced fees or cover initial vet care. Open a dog's profile and ask the organization directly for their current fee and what it includes.
Can I foster a senior Rat Terrier instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a senior Rat Terrier gets them out of a kennel and into a calm home — which is especially beneficial for older dogs who find shelter life stressful. Ask the organization on any dog's profile whether fostering is an option.
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 dog who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.