The national senior-dog directory

Senior dogs for adoption, nationwide

4,628 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) are listed right now, with 4,443 currently grouped across 49 states. Search below, or browse by state or age.

Last updated September 24, 2026 at 2:23 PM EDT. Listings refresh throughout the day. Always confirm a dog’s availability with the shelter or rescue before making plans.

Lily's Second Chance is a free nonprofit directory built in memory of Lily, a senior dog adopted at 10 who gave seven beautiful years of love. We don't shelter or adopt out dogs ourselves — we gather listings from real shelters and rescues so older dogs get seen before they're overlooked.

4,628 senior dogs waiting for a home

4,628 senior dogs available.

Search by name, breed, state, size, or sex — every result is a real, currently listed senior dog.

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At Risk
Photo of Rico, adoptable senior German Shepherd Dog in Seattle, Washington

Rico

German Shepherd Dog • Male • Large • 7 years

Animal Profile: Rico is a 6-year-old (DOB 10/1/2019), 80 lb neutered male German Shepherd with a very sad story looking for a brighter future. He seem…

Dog Gone Seattle Rescue • Seattle, WA

Urgent Need
Photo of Abe, adoptable senior Chihuahua in Columbia, Tennessee

Abe

Chihuahua • Male

Abe! He is coming out of his shell and feeling so much better. His favorite thing to do is lay out on the patio and sun himself. He’s gotten the treat…

Russell Rescue, Inc. • Columbia, TN

At Risk
Photo of Louie, adoptable senior Chihuahua in Rochester, New York

Louie

Chihuahua • Female • 8 years

This gorgeous, eight-year-old long-haired Chihuahua mix is ready to fill your home with absolute joy. With her incredibly fluffy ears and matching plu…

Keller's Kats Rescue, Inc. • Rochester, NY

At Risk
Photo of LuLu, adoptable senior Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie in Spring, Texas

LuLu

Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie • Male • Small • 7 years

Lulu may have a delicate name, but this little guy has already proven he is one tough Yorkie. At approximately 7 years old and just 7.4 pounds, Lulu c…

Yorkie Rescue Houston • Spring, TX

At Risk
Photo of Heidi, adoptable senior Beagle in Queen Creek, Arizona

Heidi

Beagle • Female • X-Large • 12 years

Meet Heidi – A Sweet Senior Looking for Her Forever Home! Heidi is a beautiful 12-year-old senior girl who was given a second chance after being rescu…

2nd Chance Dog Rescue • Queen Creek, AZ

At Risk
Photo of Calvin, adoptable senior American Staffordshire Terrier in Queen Creek, Arizona

Calvin

American Staffordshire Terrier • Male • X-Large • 10 years

MEET CALVIN At around 10 years old and 90lbs, Calvin is a big handsome boy with giant paws and the most beautiful soulful eyes. With his stunning merl…

2nd Chance Dog Rescue • Queen Creek, AZ

At Risk
Photo of BatMan, adoptable senior Cairn Terrier in Spring, Texas

BatMan

Cairn Terrier • Male • Small • 9 years

This baby was dumped at the shelter as a Euthanasia request by his family. The dog they loved them for years, needed eye meds and a dental. He was not…

Yorkie Rescue Houston • Spring, TX

At Risk
Photo of Marley, adoptable senior Catahoula Leopard Dog in Pipe Creek, Texas

Marley

Catahoula Leopard Dog • Female • Large • 8 years

Meet Marley– A Girl Worth Saving Marley was once in a beloved family, living a happy life with an owner who adored her. Sadly, her owner developed ser…

A Doggie 4 You • Pipe Creek, TX

At Risk
Photo of Nell, adoptable senior Great Pyrenees in Whitewright, Texas

Nell

Great Pyrenees • Female • Large • 9 years

Nell started out in life as the feral pup of a feral mom. She was rescued at a young age and has been in our care virtually her entire life. She has l…

Bluebonnet Animal Rescue Network • Whitewright, TX

At Risk
Photo of Ashley, adoptable senior Beagle in St Peters, Missouri

Ashley

Beagle • Female • Medium • 7 years

A Little Beagle Woo + A Whole Lot of Houndy Sweetness! PAC would like to officially introduce you to Amber and Ashley — two sweet girls who recently w…

St Charles County Humane Services • St Peters, MO

At Risk
Photo of Palpatine, adoptable senior Pomeranian in Camarillo, California

Palpatine

Pomeranian • Male • Small • 10 years

At approximately 10 years old, this Chihuahua/Pomeranian mix came to us struggling to walk. During a thorough examination, our veterinary team discove…

Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA

At Risk
Photo of Tommy, adoptable senior Jack Russell Terrier in Columbia, Tennessee

Tommy

Jack Russell Terrier • Male • Small • 11 years

URGENT: Foster or adopter Needed!! My heart is heavy writing this. Johnny and Tommy need a foster home this weekend if at all possible. These sweet bo…

Russell Rescue, Inc. • Columbia, TN

At Risk
Photo of Rocco, adoptable senior German Shepherd Dog in San Diego, California

Rocco

German Shepherd Dog • Male • Large • 8 years

Rocco’s journey to us began with a lifesaving act of compassion. Our friends at DaisyLu Ranch, a senior dog rescue in Camarillo, spotted a video of Ro…

Coastal K9 German Shepherd Rescue • San Diego, CA

At Risk
Photo of Bella, adoptable senior American Bulldog in Woodland Hills, California

Bella

American Bulldog • Female • Large • 9 years

Meet our sweet Bella, a senior girl who was rescued just in time from the euthanasia list at Contra Costa Animal Services. Bella did nothing wrong, ye…

Melita's Dream Animal Rescue • Woodland Hills, CA

At Risk
Photo of Peanut Butter, adoptable senior Chihuahua in oakland, Florida

Peanut Butter

Chihuahua • Male • Small • 14 years

Meet Peanut Butter — a tiny old soul with a big personality and a heart that refuses to be overlooked. At 14 years young, this chihuahua mix found him…

Polka Dogz Pet REscue, INc. • oakland, FL

At Risk
Photo of Johnny, adoptable senior Jack Russell Terrier in Columbia, Tennessee

Johnny

Jack Russell Terrier • Male • Small • 11 years

URGENT: Foster or adopter Needed!! My heart is heavy writing this. Johnny and Tommy need a foster home this weekend if at all possible. These sweet bo…

Russell Rescue, Inc. • Columbia, TN

Showing 18 of 4628 dogs.

Finding a senior dog, answered

How do I find senior dogs for adoption in my state?

Choose your state from the list on this page to see every adoptable senior dog (age 7 and up) that shelters and rescues have listed there. Each dog's profile links straight to the organization caring for them, so you apply with the right group.

Does Lily's Second Chance list senior dogs from every state?

Lily's Second Chance gathers adoptable senior dogs from shelters and rescues nationwide, and any US state can have listings. Right now senior dogs are listed in 49 states as dogs are adopted and new ones are added, so if your state isn't shown yet it's worth checking back or browsing a neighboring state.

Can I adopt a senior dog from another state?

Often, yes. Many rescues arrange or help coordinate transport for the right adopter, while others prefer a local meet-and-greet first. Open the dog's profile and ask the shelter or rescue directly how their out-of-state adoption process works.

How this directory works

Lily's Second Chance is not a shelter, rescue, or breeder — it's a free nonprofit directory. Listings are pulled automatically from shelter management platforms and rescue networks (including the RescueGroups.org network and individual shelters' own websites), then refreshed on a recurring schedule so the dogs shown stay current. Adoption always happens through the shelter or rescue caring for the dog, never through Lily's Second Chance — every dog's profile links straight to that organization's adoption process or contact details.

Because availability changes constantly, always confirm a specific dog's status directly with the listing shelter or rescue before making plans to visit or apply. A dog whose listing shows it isn't open for adoption yet (e.g. still in transport or intake) is labeled "Coming soon" and kept out of the counts above until it opens up.

States with senior dogs right now

All states

Browse by age

Popular breeds waiting now

Adopting a senior dog — what to expect

Most senior dogs are already house-trained and past the chewing/high-energy puppy stage, so the first weeks are usually calmer than raising a puppy. Expect a short adjustment period as a newly adopted senior settles in — a consistent routine, a comfortable place to rest, and some patience go a long way. Ask the shelter or rescue about the dog's health history, energy level, and any age-related needs (a special diet, joint support, etc.) before you apply; most are minor and manageable, and many organizations begin needed medical care before the dog is even listed.

Adopting a senior dog — 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 find a senior dog to adopt?

You can search by name, breed, state, city, or age, or browse the landing pages for each. Every result is a real senior dog listed by a shelter or rescue, and each profile links straight to the organization caring for that dog.

How do I adopt a dog I find here?

Open the dog's profile to see which shelter or rescue is caring for them, then use the adoption link or contact details on that profile to apply directly with the organization. Lily's Second Chance gathers senior dogs in one place so they're easier to find — the adoption itself always happens through the local shelter or rescue.

Are these listings up to date?

Listings refresh throughout the day, and availability can change between updates. Always confirm a dog's availability with the shelter or rescue before making plans.

Helpful resources

Looking for a specific breed?

Browse senior dogs by breed, or share a senior dog who needs a home.