10+ years
Shadow
Why I'd make a great companion: ~Hello! My name is Shadow and I weigh 62 LBS! ~I’m a curious, confident, and loyal little guy with a big heart! ~I lov…
Arizona Humane Society - Sunnyslope • Phoenix, AZ
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 541–570 of 801 below.
Last updated October 18, 2026 at 4:42 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
Chloe
Chloe is still seeking her forever! Chloe is a 12 year old pug who is housebroken and gets along with all people and other dogs. She is an unflappable…
Pet ResQ Inc. • Tenafly, NJ
10+ years
Shadow
Why I'd make a great companion: ~Arf! Arf! My name is Shadow and I weigh 40 LBS! ~I'm a little nervous when we first meet, but every day I'm getting b…
Arizona Humane Society - Sunnyslope • Phoenix, AZ
10+ years
10+ years
Baby
Hi everyone! My name is Baby and I am a sweet, laid-back 12-year-old, 8-pound female Apple Head Chihuahua. As a senior, I am looking for a quiet home.…
Help A Dog Smile • Phoenix, AZ
10+ years
Tilley
Meet Tilley, a precious little 12-year-old Shih Tzu we took in recently. It’s hard to put into words just how much this sweet girl has been suffering.…
REACH Rescue, Inc • Mundelein, IL
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
Baby
Why I'd make a great companion: ~Hi there, my name is Baby and I weigh 58 LBS! ~ I’m a sweet, shy, and timid dog looking for someone who understands t…
Arizona Humane Society - Campus for Compassion • Phoenix, AZ
10+ years
Kody
Meet Kody! Kody is a 12-year-old, 9 lb. Chihuahua with a sweet, social personality and an adorably goofy charm. His tail seems to wag nonstop, and he …
Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
10+ years
Lucy Mae
Lucy Mae is a 12 yr. old senior girl. She is a Jack Russell mix. Lucy Mae needs a home where she will be the only pet as well as a home without small …
Berkeley County Humane Society • Martinsburg, WV
10+ years
10+ years
Storm
Storm is a very sweet and kind gentleman who has completely stolen our hearts. We’re honestly a little shocked that no one came looking for this hands…
Matanuska-Susitna Borough Animal Care and Regulation • Palmer, AK
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
Sasha
Sasha is a 12-year-old Siberian Husky who weighs 66 pounds, but don’t let her age fool you—this girl still has plenty of pep in her step! She is wonde…
Albuquerque Animal Services - Westside • Albuquerque, NM
10+ years
Buster
Meet Buster! Buster is a sweet, gentle 12-year-old boy with the calmest, easiest-going personality. He doesn’t ask for much, just a comfortable place …
Piedmont Animal Rescue • Mooresville, NC
10+ years
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City of Houston, Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care • Houston, TX
10+ years
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10+ years
Leroy Jethro Gibbs
Leroy Jethro Gibbs was Pet of the Week on 08/04/2026* Leroy is a rockstar greeter dog* Leroy knows sit, shake, and spin* Leroy walks well on leash* Le…
Moreno Valley Animal Shelter • Moreno Valley, CA
10+ years
10+ years
Domino
Attention: This is a courtesy posting only! This pet is NOT available through Mountain Pet Rescue. Please do NOT contact MPR for information about the…
Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC
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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.