12 years & older

Senior dogs age 12 and older

Meet 802 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 361–390 of 802 below.

Last updated October 18, 2026 at 4:50 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

802 senior dogs aged 12 and older available.

10+ years
Photo of Maggie, adoptable senior Shih Tzu in Candler, North Carolina

Maggie

Shih Tzu • Female • 13 years

Maggie is quite an independent little girl. She is the queen in her castle, She spends her time occupying herself. She would likely be fine with anoth…

Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC

10+ years
Photo of Mila, adoptable senior Pit Bull Terrier in Thousand Palms, California

Mila

Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Medium • 13 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Coachella Shelter • Thousand Palms, CA

10+ years
Photo of Honey, adoptable senior American Pit Bull Terrier in Mesa, Arizona

Honey

American Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Large • 13 years

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - East Valley Animal Care Center • Mesa, AZ

At Risk
Photo of Buffy, adoptable senior Shih Tzu in Long Beach, Mississippi

Buffy

Shih Tzu • Female • Small • 13 years

Buffy is a 13-year-old Shih Tzu with the heart of a teddy bear and the soul of a professional napper. Buffy came to us in 2023 after her beloved owner…

For Pet's Sake Rescue • Long Beach, MS

10+ years
Photo of Prince, adoptable senior Pit Bull Terrier in Moreno Valley, California

Prince

Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Large • 13 years

Prince is a sweet boy* Prince appears to be potty trained* Prince loves treats* Prince did well on his temperament test with 3 female Pit Bulls• While…

Moreno Valley Animal Shelter • Moreno Valley, CA

10+ years
Photo of Jake, adoptable senior Pit Bull Terrier in Camarillo, California

Jake

Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Large • 13 years

Volunteers report that Jake looooooves rolling around in the grass and a belly rub. He loves his toys, snacks, and has done great hanging out with a 1…

Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA

10+ years
Photo of Billy, adoptable senior American Pit Bull Terrier in Osteen, Florida

Billy

American Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Large • 13 years

Meet Billy—also known as “Sir Snacks-a-Lot." He is the definition of unconditional love. Billy is truly the total package when it comes to a laid-back…

Lil Rascals Dog Rescue • Osteen, FL

10+ years
Photo of Sadie May 26, adoptable senior Golden Retriever in Pacolet, South Carolina

Sadie May 26

Golden Retriever • Female • Medium • 13 years

Foster location: Dreamweaver Farm, Pacolet SC Weight: 26.8 lbs Height: 17 inches at the shoulder Spayed/Neutered: Yes, Sadie is spayed Adoption Fee: $…

Carolina Poodle Rescue • Pacolet, SC

10+ years
Photo of Clark, adoptable senior Miniature Schnauzer in Normal, Illinois

Clark

Miniature Schnauzer • Male • Small • 13 years

Meet Clark, a 13-year-old Miniature Schnauzer mix who weighs about 24 pounds and still has plenty of pep in his step. He’s a friendly, outgoing, and a…

Wish Bone Canine Rescue • Normal, IL

10+ years
Photo of Maggie May, adoptable senior Unknown breed (short coat) in Gainesville, Florida

Maggie May

Unknown breed (short coat) • Female • Large • 13 years

Meet Maggie. This mature awesome gal ended up at the shelter when her human passed away. Maggie was diagnosed with a mast cell tumor between one of he…

Plenty of Pit Bulls • Gainesville, FL

10+ years
Photo of Teddy, adoptable senior Unknown breed in Shelburne, Vermont

Teddy

Unknown breed • Male • 13 years

IN VERMONT < 3 Meet Teddy! (of Harley & Teddy) More pictures and video below or to come! Teddy is 13 years old (seems much younger -need 2nd opinion),…

Passion 4 Paws • Shelburne, VT

10+ years
Photo of Axel, adoptable senior Bull Terrier in Frankston, Texas

Axel

Bull Terrier • Male • Small • 13 years

Posted 12/13/17 and pictures taken 11/29/17. He keeps his ears down when I try to get more videos of him, so I have not updated his pictures yet. I pi…

Tonya Griffith's Animal Rescue, Inc. • Frankston, TX

10+ years
Photo of Nancy, adoptable senior Staffordshire Bull Terrier in Jackson, Mississippi

Nancy

Staffordshire Bull Terrier • Female • Large • 13 years

Nancy is the sweetest senior who needs a foster or adopter so she can live out her remaining days in a loving home. She is getting older and is starti…

Animal Rescue Fund of MS • Jackson, MS

10+ years
Photo of Snoopy, adoptable senior Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie in Berwick, Pennsylvania

Snoopy

Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie • Male • Small • 13 years

Snoopy (13) and Libby (14) are a bonded pair of senior sweethearts who recently lost their beloved mom, a dedicated member of our Haven to Home foster…

Haven to Home Canine Rescue • Berwick, PA

10+ years
Photo of Libby, adoptable senior Chihuahua in Berwick, Pennsylvania

Libby

Chihuahua • Female • Small • 13 years

Snoopy (13) and Libby (14) are a bonded pair of senior sweethearts who recently lost their beloved mom, a dedicated member of our Haven to Home foster…

Haven to Home Canine Rescue • Berwick, PA

10+ years
Photo of Arty, adoptable senior Dachshund in Humble, Texas

Arty

Dachshund • Female • Small • 13 years

UPDATE: Arty is a mature character who wants to share cuddles and short bursts of puppy energy. She does well with other dogs. She loves car rides and…

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue • Humble, TX

10+ years
Photo of Simon, adoptable senior Dachshund in Humble, Texas

Simon

Dachshund • Male • Small • 13 years

Meet Simon, a sweet senior boy who recently arrived at CTDR with his best friend, Spencer, after their owner could no longer care for them. These two …

Central Texas Dachshund Rescue • Humble, TX

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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

Know an older dog who needs a home?

Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.