10+ years
12 years & older
Senior dogs age 12 and older
Meet 801 adoptable senior dogs aged 12 and older. These are some of the most overlooked dogs in rescue — and some of the most grateful to be chosen. Showing 301–330 of 801 below.
Last updated October 18, 2026 at 4:28 PM EDT. Listings refresh throughout the day. Always confirm a dog’s availability with the shelter or rescue before making plans.
Dogs aged 12 and older — in their double digits — are among the very hardest to place, yet they're often the gentlest companions you'll find: house-trained, long past the chewing and high-energy years, and content to spend their days close to you. Older dogs are too easily overlooked, so giving one a soft place to land for their remaining years is one of the most meaningful things an adopter can do. Always confirm availability and adoption steps with the shelter or rescue.
Available senior dogs aged 12 and older
801 senior dogs aged 12 and older available.
10+ years
Maggie
Maggie is a 14‑year‑old, 20‑lb Shih Tzu mix who absolutely doesn’t act her age — shh, don’t tell her she’s a senior! Quick Facts: Name: Maggie Breed: …
CrisisDogsNC • Spring Lake, NC
10+ years
Gus
Meet Gus Gus is a 13-year-old gentleman who may experience the world a little differently, but that hasn’t stopped him from filling every room with lo…
Piedmont Animal Rescue • Mooresville, NC
10+ years
Lucy Dawson
Update 4/2026 We've made the decision to welcome Lucy to the Joyful sanctuary life as she loves us as much as she can ever love a human - especially J…
Joyful Rescues, Inc. • Cuba, NY
10+ years
Nika
Please contact foster at kerryu@animalmedical.net Nika, the sweetest girl in the world: •absolute sweetheart, she aims to please the humans•loves to c…
Animal Care & Control, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department • Charlotte, NC
10+ years
10+ years
Malcolm
Malcolm is a 14 year old, 26 lb Beagle/Boxer mix with the perfect blend of independence, sweetness, and senior dog charm! Quick Facts: Name: Malcom Br…
CrisisDogsNC • Spring Lake, NC
10+ years
Odie
Meet Odie – Our Distinguished Gentlepup Odie the Rat Terrier is the ultimate mellow soul, with just the right sprinkle of playful energy to keep life …
PAW Estate Rescue and Shelter Inc • Visalia, CA
10+ years
Mia & Milu (Bonded Pair)
Name: Bonded pair- Mia & Milu Breed: Maltese mix & ShihTzuAge: 13yr & 5yrVaccines: last in 2023 Any medical conditions: NoneNeutered: YesChip: YesTemp…
Paws 4 You Rescue • Miami, FL
10+ years
Chico
MEET CHICO – LOOKING FOR HIS FOREVER HOME! ❤️ Looking for a sweet, calm, and loving companion? Meet Chico! Male | 18 lbs Chico is an absolute sweethea…
The Heroic Tail • San Diego, CA
10+ years
Maya
Meet Maya – a spirited 12-year-old looking for a home to relax in. She spent most of her life outdoors with garage access. Maya is food-motivated, kno…
City of Elk Grove Animal Services • Elk Grove, CA
10+ years
Simba
SIMBA is a 13 year-old Lab Mix who was given up due to the health of his elderly owner. It is apparent that he was well loved although finances were s…
CompAnimals Pet Rescue Inc • Landenberg, PA
10+ years
10+ years
Winston
Winston is a gentle, steady presence who finds joy in the simple things—quiet walks where he can take in new scents, soft blankets on chilly days, and…
Calhoun County Humane Society, Inc. • Anniston, AL
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
Little Man Contact Sylva
ONLY CONTACT INFO BELOW! COURTESY POSTING! Little Man is a 13 year old, 20 pound Terrier mix who's owner can no longer care for. He's fully vetted, he…
Starpaws Rescue • Marina Del Rey, CA
10+ years
10+ years
Ziggy the Senior
Hi everyone, I'm Ziggy! I'm a handsome 14 year old, neutered male Pit Bull Terrier and I weigh 44lbs. I'm a sweet boy that loves getting affection and…
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA • Burlingame, CA
10+ years
Nova
Meet Nova, a darling senior dog ready for retirement! She's mellow, gets along with dogs, and loves ambling walks with her favorite humans. She's an o…
City of Elk Grove Animal Services • Elk Grove, CA
10+ years
Sandra
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA
10+ years
Lorna
At 12 years old, Lorna is the definition of gentle and graceful. She came to us with a serious wound around her neck, and very underweight, but thanks…
Fort Bend County Animal Services • Rosenberg, TX
10+ years
Tate
Tate proves that being a senior doesn’t mean slowing down! At 13 years old, he’s still spunky, playful, and full of personality; though he certainly a…
Heartland Humane Society of Missouri • O'Fallon, MO
10+ years
10+ years
Scout - HOSPICE FOSTER
Hi, I’m Scout, a gentle and mellow senior of 13, 29 lbs., who loves the quiet life. I get along well with humans and other dogs, though I’m not one fo…
Boston Terrier Rescue of North Texas • Plano, TX
10+ years
10+ years
Grim
Meet Grim! Grim is a 13 year old, 57lb (and gaining) Great Pyrenees. He is leash trained, house trained, and crate trained, but doesn’t need to be cra…
Adopt A Pit Rescue Inc • Germantown, OH
10+ years
Ruxpin
Ruxpin (13) and Tata (7) would ideally find a home together, but we understand that’s a big ask. We are willing to consider separating them if necessa…
Rescue Haven Foundation • Caldwell, NJ
10+ years
10+ years
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Adopting a dog aged 12+ — 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.
Is it worth adopting a dog aged 12 or older?
Absolutely. Older dogs are typically calm, affectionate, and already trained, and they bond deeply with the people who give them a home. Their time with you may be shorter, but adopters consistently describe it as some of the most rewarding companionship they've known.
Do dogs aged 12+ have higher vet costs?
Some older dogs need a special diet, joint support, or more regular check-ups, but many are healthy for their age. Each dog's profile and the shelter caring for them can tell you about any known medical needs before you adopt.
How do I adopt one of these senior dogs?
Open any dog's profile to see which shelter or rescue is caring for them, then use the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization. Lily's Second Chance gathers older dogs in one place so they're easier to find.
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 an older dog who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.