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 61–90 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
Photo of Blu, adoptable senior Bulldog, American / Mastiff in Maryland, Maryland

Blu

Bulldog, American / Mastiff • Male • 16 years

Loves car rides · Loves Toys · Good with Kids · Good with Dogs · People Friendly · Walks well on leash · Food motivated · Fixed · Housetrained · Not G…

Reed's Rescue • Maryland, MD

10+ years
Photo of Micki, adoptable senior Black Labrador Retriever in Shell Lake, Wisconsin

Micki

Black Labrador Retriever • Female • Large • 15 years

Micki is a wonderful dog who loves people. She has done well with kids in the past, but does not live with any children at this time. She does live wi…

Rescued Tails Animal Sanctuary • Shell Lake, WI

At Risk
Photo of Lady Carpenter, adoptable senior Bichon Frise in Escondido, California

Lady Carpenter

Bichon Frise • Female • Small • 15 years

Meet Lady Carpenter On August 3rd, I received a heartbreaking call from a young woman who had been referred to me by our vet’s office. She had just lo…

TLC K9 Rescue • Escondido, CA

10+ years
Photo of Lollipop, adoptable senior Poodle (Miniature) in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Lollipop

Poodle (Miniature) • Male • Small • 15 years

Even though some would say that Lollipop needs to slow down, he disagrees! Why not still run those zoomies, go on that long sunset walk or show people…

Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society • Santa Fe, NM

10+ years
Photo of Sybil (OR), adoptable senior Rat Terrier in Atlanta, Georgia

Sybil (OR)

Rat Terrier • Female • Small • 15 years

After being adopted to a loving home for almost 10 years, Sybil found herself back with New Rattitude after her person fell too ill to care for her an…

New Rattitude, Inc. • Atlanta, GA

10+ years
Photo of Chewy, adoptable senior Havanese in Cuba, New York

Chewy

Havanese • Male • Medium • 15 years

Chewy was born about September 10, 2010 and weighs about 21 pounds. Please understand Google helped us with the breed choices, we are really guessing!…

Joyful Rescues, Inc. • Cuba, NY

10+ years
Photo of Betty, adoptable senior Terrier in Baldwin Park, California

Betty

Terrier • Female • Medium • 15 years

Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park • Baldwin Park, CA

10+ years
Photo of Charlie, adoptable senior Chihuahua in Normal, Illinois

Charlie

Chihuahua • Male • Small • 15 years

Charlie is a 15-year-old Chihuahua mix who weighs about 15 pounds and proves that age is just a number. This friendly, happy little guy is full of per…

Wish Bone Canine Rescue • Normal, IL

10+ years
Photo of Tucker, adoptable senior Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Anniston, Alabama

Tucker

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler • Male • Medium • 15 years

A dapper fella with a charming half-tail, Tucker is a chill guy with a live-and-let-live attitude. He bonds tightly to his person once they've shown t…

Calhoun County Humane Society, Inc. • Anniston, AL

10+ years
Photo of Oso, adoptable senior American Pit Bull Terrier in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Oso

American Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Medium • 15 years

Wait... 15 years old? We checked his paperwork twice because there's just no way! Oso apparently discovered the fountain of youth and forgot to tell t…

Albuquerque Animal Services - Eastside • Albuquerque, NM

10+ years
Photo of Bonded Pair - Hazel & Henry, adoptable senior Pekingese in Tampa, Florida

Bonded Pair - Hazel & Henry

Pekingese • Female • Small • 15 years

We take the dogs that are adopted down...so if a dog is on the website they are available. Obedience training and fully fenced in yard is required for…

Heidi's Legacy Dog Rescue • Tampa, FL

10+ years
Photo of Struesel, adoptable senior Schnauzer in oakland, Florida

Struesel

Schnauzer • Male • Small • 15 years

At 15 years old and 18 pounds, Struesel is a sweet little Schnauzer mix who has mastered the art of being absolutely lovable! This gentle senior boy i…

Polka Dogz Pet REscue, INc. • oakland, FL

10+ years
Photo of Khloe - HOSPICE FOSTER, adoptable senior Boston Terrier in Plano, Texas

Khloe - HOSPICE FOSTER

Boston Terrier • Female • 15 years

Howdy there! My name is Khloe, and I am a beautiful 15-year-old girl. My foster mom says I am the sweetest girl ever, and I love everyone! I get along…

Boston Terrier Rescue of North Texas • Plano, TX

10+ years
Photo of Bonded- Jasper and Chloe, adoptable senior Shih Tzu in Sequim, Washington

Bonded- Jasper and Chloe

Shih Tzu • Small • 15 years

Meet Jasper and Chloe! This sweet pair of seniors are in a long-term relationship, and we cannot separate them after 45+ dog years together. They are …

Welfare for Animals Guild • Sequim, WA

10+ years
Photo of Clyde, adoptable senior Labrador Retriever in Jackson, Mississippi

Clyde

Labrador Retriever • Male • Medium • 15 years

Clyde is the self-appointed “governor” of the shelter—always alert, always watching, and always ready to greet the day. He’ll happily announce when it…

Animal Rescue Fund of MS • Jackson, MS

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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

Know an older dog who needs a home?

Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.