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 601–630 of 801 below.
Last updated October 18, 2026 at 3:18 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
10+ years
10+ years
Yogi
Meet Yogi! This 12-year-old, 6 lb. Chihuahua is a sweet, funny little companion who loves cuddles, walks, and the occasional stuffed toy to destroy. Y…
Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
10+ years
Funeral Potatoes
Built like a potato, rides in style, and ready for retirement adventures. Meet Funeral Potatoes, a 12-year-old Chihuahua with a name almost as memorab…
Humane Society of Kent County Maryland Inc. • Chestertown, MD
10+ years
Optimus
Meet Optimus! Who says you have to slow down just because you're getting older? At 12 years young, Optimus is still full of life and has plenty of ene…
Ripley County Humane Society • Osgood, IN
10+ years
Lexie
Medical Grant Funded (see below) Sweet girl Lexi was dumped on the side of the road. She has calluses on her underside and hind area. She must have be…
Second Chance Pets • League City, TX
10+ years
Harley
IN VERMONT < 3 Meet Harley (of Harley & Teddy) More pictures and video below or to come! Harley is 11 years old (seems much younger -need 2nd opinion …
Passion 4 Paws • Shelburne, VT
10+ years
Daisy (Trinity)
Name: Daisy*Age: 12 years old*Current Weight: 62 lbs*Rescued from: Texas (currently located with foster in Texas, transport will be scheduled once ado…
SNARR Northeast Animal Rescue • Brewster, NY
10+ years
Tyson
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - East Valley Animal Care Center • Mesa, AZ
10+ years
10+ years
Grandpa Leo
Allow us to introduce Grandpa Leo, a charming 12-year-old Shih Tzu with a heart as big as his personality. Life has given him a few bumps along the wa…
Polka Dogz Pet REscue, INc. • oakland, FL
10+ years
TT
Contact the foster at, alyssa.s.cummins@gmail.comMeet TT!At 12 years young, TT is the perfect mix of playful energy and cozy companionship. Her silly …
Animal Care & Control, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department • Charlotte, NC
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
Hazel
Hazel is a gentle little old soul with the sweetest heart. She’s a senior girl who lives life in slow motion—happy to lounge in her cozy bed, take a q…
Animal Rescue Fund of MS • Jackson, MS
10+ years
10+ years
Kuzco
Meet Kuzco! This sweet, senior beagle is looking for his forever home! He is a nervous, gentle soul who loves snuggles once he gets to know you!
Until They're Home • Fort Collins, CO
10+ years
Zeva
From Z to A! Zeva is a 65-pound German Shepherd Mix that loves a good brushing! She is 12 years old and gets around just fine, she likes calm walks an…
Humane Society of Central Texas/City of Waco Animal Shelter • Waco, TX
10+ years
10+ years
Paw Paw Walter
Adopt Paw Paw Walter — Fee Already Sponsored Some dogs just have that something, and Paw Paw Walter has it in spades. At 12 years young, this soft-hea…
One Love Animal Rescue • Mount Laurel, NJ
10+ years
10+ years
Marley
Yeah yeah, he shares a name with that famous book dog. But unlike him, our Marley is past the puppy nonsense and already has his basic manners and pla…
Calhoun County Humane Society, Inc. • Anniston, AL
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
Ruckus
Meet Ruckus! Ruckus is a 12-year-old, 10-pound Toy Poodle with a heart as big as his personality. After his owner passed away, he found himself in the…
Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
10+ years
Lollipop
Solano County Sheriff's Office Animal Care Division • Fairfield, CA
10+ years
Jager
Jager is 13yo, weighs 90lbs, is neutered, but is not up to date on his vaccines nor is microchipped. His guardian adds: "He is a big teddy bear. He lo…
Rescue Well Incorporated • Columbia, MD
Browse other age bands
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.