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.

Maggie
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

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

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

Charlie Brown May 26 - In Foster in Rocky Mt, NC
Foster location: Rocky Mount, NC Weight: 11 lbs Height: 9 in at the shoulder Spayed/Neutered: Yes Adoption Fee: $425 Fence needed? No Want To Know Mor…
Carolina Poodle Rescue • Pacolet, SC

Buffy
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

Prince
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


Jake
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

Billy
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

Sadie May 26
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

Clark
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



Maggie May
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

Teddy
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

Axel
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

Nancy
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

Snoopy
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

Libby
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


Princess Petunia
Princess Petunia may be a senior in years, but you'd never know it from her energy! Petunia still loves to go for walks and to play with toys- sometim…
SPCA of Anne Arundel County • Annapolis, MD

Arty
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

Rosella
Summit County Animal Control and Shelter • Frisco, CO

Spot (Underdog-in foster)
Louisiana SPCA • New Orleans, LA

Simon
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
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.

