Lily’s Second Chance

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 451–480 of 802 below.

Last updated October 18, 2026 at 6:12 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 Wubbzy, adoptable senior Terrier / Mixed Breed (Small) in Gainesville, Florida

Wubbzy

Terrier / Mixed Breed (Small) • Female • 12 years

Path to Adoption · Couch Potato · Cuddler · Deaf · Crate Trained · Housetrained · Visually Impaired · Dog Friendly · Good on Car Rides · Low energy · …

Humane Society of North Central Florida • Gainesville, FL

View profileView Adoption Page ↗ (opens in a new tab)
10+ years
Photo of Snupe, adoptable senior Mixed Breed (Large) in Maryland, Maryland

Snupe

Mixed Breed (Large) • Male • 12 years

Low Energy · Housetrained · Fixed · Good with larger dogs · Good with Kids · Not Good with Cats · capable of climbing stairs. · Food motivated · Loves…

Reed's Rescue • Maryland, MD

View profileView Adoption Page ↗ (opens in a new tab)
10+ years
Photo of Babe, adoptable senior Terrier, American Pit Bull / Mix in Wadena, Minnesota

Babe

Terrier, American Pit Bull / Mix • Female • 12 years

Affectionate · Cuddle bug · Couch stealer · Goofy · Low to Medium Energy · Playful · Seems Kennel or Potty Trained · Single Dog Home

Wadena County Humane Society • Wadena, MN

View profileView Adoption Page ↗ (opens in a new tab)

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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 age

How 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 & health

Caring 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 read

Know an older dog who needs a home?

Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.

Submit a senior dogBrowse resources