Updated recently
Missy
Meet Missy: A Loving Senior Looking for Her Forever Home! Missy is a gentle, sweet senior girl who has been through so much in her life, and she’s now…
2nd Chance Dog Rescue • Queen Creek, 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 721–750 of 801 below.
Last updated October 18, 2026 at 12:49 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
Lil Ol Lady
Fulton Animal Services • Atlanta, GA
10+ years
Rico
Wanted: to meet my furever family. Are you looking to open your home to a new pet? Learn more about this pet and others near you looking to find their…
Woodstock Animal Foundation • Lexington, KY
10+ years
Buddy
Buddy is a sweet gentleman looking for a permanent cozy spot. Buddy had a family for 12 years, but when the youngest child was headed off to college, …
Last Chance Animal Rescue • Holbrook, NY
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
Tyson
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control • Phoenix, AZ
10+ years
10+ years
Fredo
Brandywine Valley SPCA - New Castle • New Castle, DE
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
Foxy
West Valley Animal Care Center - Los Angeles Animal Services • Chatsworth, CA
10+ years
Ceaser
My name is Ceaser. I am a neutered male, tan and white Pit Bull Terrier and Dachshund.
San José Animal Care Center • San José, CA
10+ years
Reina
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
Daisy
Pasco County Animal Services • Land O'Lakes, FL
10+ years
10+ years
Updated recently
Chelsea *Help I need a foster home!* Sweet Senior
Chelsea is a sweet Beagle mix, that is an older gal, about 12-12.5 years old. She had lived with a family with kids for eight years but the family com…
Redemption Road Rescue • Crystal, MN
10+ years
Oldie B Goodie
Fulton Animal Services • Atlanta, GA
10+ years
Radar
NOTE- RADAR IS LISTED AS A COURTESY FOR ANOTHER RESCUE ORGANIZATION. PLEASE SEE CONTACT INFO BELOW. Radar is a 12-year-old Jack Russell ready for his …
Reach Out Rescue & Resources • Westminster, MD
10+ years
Dantes
Dantes is the kindest, sweetest, and most gentle 12 yr. old Lab mix. Due to a military deployment that wouldn't allow Dantes to come with them, his fa…
Southwest Oasis Labrador Rescue • Tucson, AZ
10+ years
Annabelle
Riverdale Animal Shelter • Brighton, CO
10+ years
Charlie
Meet Charlie, the distinguished senior gentleman who's ready to steal your heart! With his independent spirit and loyal nature, Charlie is the epitome…
Mason County Animal Shelter • Maysville, KY
10+ years
Queenie
My name is Queenie. I am described as a spayed female, black and white American Pit Bull Terrier mix.
I am with an offsite partner! • Chicago, IL
10+ years
Toto
This animal is a part of our “Seniors for Seniors” program where we offer senior adopters an opportunity to adopt an eligible pet at a discounted fee.…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton, MN
10+ years
Pepper & Scooby
Bonded Duo Looking for Their Forever Home ❤️ Pepper and his brother, Scooby, are searching for a forever home where they can stay together. At 12 year…
Paw-Affection Dachshund Rescue, Inc. • Taunton, MA
10+ years
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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.