
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 91–120 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.


Alice
Alice is a Shepherd Mix, her estimated date of birth is 12/1/11 and she weighs 45 lbs. She is up to date on all of her shots and she is fixed. Alice i…
Baja Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

Panda
PRANCING PANDA This adorable little senior furball only wants two things: 1) to lay by your feet, and 2) to PRANCE across a grassy field! When Panda a…
Evergreen Animal Protective League • Evergreen, CO

Delilah
Delilah is a Black Lab mix, 14 years old (DOB: 11/2011). This 'senior' sweetheart is back at our shelter once again and needing a forever home. She ha…
Amarillo SPCA • Amarillo, TX

Mya. Now 15
Precious never found a reliable home, she is not 14 yrs old and living her best life here as a sanctuary dog.
Ok Save A Dog • Prague, OK

Heron
Looking for a silly, outgoing, spunky and fun-loving Basset Hound and Boston Terrier mix to brighten your days? Then Heron may just be your guy! Heron…
The Barking Lot • San Diego, CA


Peddy
Peddy's foster says that he is a delight to have and is the easiest dog! Gets along great with other dogs and is very polite and respectful. He sleeps…
Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA

Lilyroo
Meet our sweet LilyRoo! She is a 15 year old, 88 lb. Pit Bull Terrier. This beautiful old gal may have a little extra sugar on her face, but dont let …
Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA


Missy
Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County • Sebastian, FL

Ted - IN FOSTER
DeKalb County Animal Services • Chamblee, GA

Ushi
Meet Ushi! 🐾 Ushi is a sweet 14-year-old Shih Tzu/Cavalier mix with a gentle soul and a big heart. He’s in great health and up to date on all his vac…
Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA
Sadie
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

Rusty
Meet Rusty At 15 years old, Rusty finds himself in a place no senior dog should be—facing uncertainty as his beloved owner enters hospice care. Rusty …
Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue inc • Middlesex, NC

Yoko D17184
Sight impaired · Good with Dogs · Timid / Shy · Housetrained · Good with older, considerate children
The Bond Between • Minnesota, MN

Astro
Midlands Humane Society • Council Bluffs, IA

Charlie - Home to Home
Anderson Humane • South Elgin, IL

Selene
Good with Dogs · Good with larger dogs · Low Energy · People Friendly
Reed's Rescue • Maryland, MD



Hoss Cartwright
Hoss Cartwright is a sweet senior boy whose life changed when his family was expecting a new baby and felt they could no longer give him the time he d…
Central Texas Dachshund Rescue • Humble, TX
![Photo of Lewis [bonded to Steve], adoptable senior Chihuahua in Holly Springs, North Carolina](/dog-photos/v1/4c98d0d7bbf2d8734e10c60519f90f016772cb9903324c5f4e139ad865f9a292/w500.jpg)
Lewis [bonded to Steve]
Sweet Senior alert!!! 13 year old Lewis found himself at the shelter after his person passed away. He was one of 7 pups who found themselves without a…
Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, NC

Chaplin
Chaplin is a loving active little guy despite being 15 years old. He was adopted 10 years ago and lived with his people and 1 cat for 9 years. His hum…
Eleventh Hour Rescue • Rockaway, NJ

Frederick
Frederick is our sweet little old man. He was found as a stray and landed in a shelter. We rescued him soon after. He was a shelter favorite and neede…
St. Furever Freedom Animal Rescue • Rural Hall, NC


Baylee
Yorkie And Small Dog Rescue, Inc • Conroe, TX

Bosco and Bugsy
BONDED PAIR: Bosco,15, and Bugsy, 5 have lived together for 5 years. They truly love each other. They are very sweet boys, and it would be great to se…
Arizona Boston Terrier Rescue • Scottsdale, AZ

BJ
Shih Tzu Rescue, Adoption & Education Safehouse (S.T.R.A.E.S.) • Homer Glen, IL
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
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.

