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 121–150 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 Zoe (GA), adoptable senior Unknown breed / mixed in New York, New York

Zoe (GA)

Unknown breed / mixed • Female • Small • 15 years

Zoe (GA) should have been spending her golden years curled up on a couch, adored and protected. Instead, this 15 yearold Poodle mix spent her days liv…

Rescue Dogs Rock, Inc • New York, NY

10+ years
Photo of George-OS, adoptable senior Shih Tzu in Pataskala, Ohio

George-OS

Shih Tzu • Male • Small • 15 years

George: He's Got the Roar, the Ride, and the Right Stuff! George's adoption donation is $350 and he is being fostered in Central Ohio. He has been neu…

Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Pataskala, OH

10+ years
Photo of Harley bonded with Frankie - San Diego, adoptable senior Dachshund in Los Angeles, California

Harley bonded with Frankie - San Diego

Dachshund • Female • Small • 14 years

Meet Harley! A Darling Senior Lady with a Little Sass and a Whole Lot of Love! ❤️ Some girls are born to be princesses, and Harley is quite certain sh…

Dachshund Rescue of Los Angeles • Los Angeles, CA

10+ years
Photo of Bubah, adoptable senior Pit Bull Terrier in Camarillo, California

Bubah

Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Large • 14 years

Bubah's fosters take him on lovely walks, and he does beautifully on the leash! Not reactive at all to other dogs and is completely unbothered by thei…

Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA

10+ years
Photo of Jack, adoptable senior Smooth Fox Terrier in Lancaster, California

Jack

Smooth Fox Terrier • Male • Small • 14 years

Los Angeles County Animal Control - Lancaster • Lancaster, CA

10+ years
Photo of Lentil, adoptable senior Mixed Breed (Small) in Bentonville, Arkansas

Lentil

Mixed Breed (Small) • 14 years

Northwest Arkansas Adoption Search Dogs Lentil Email Me Info Share Adopt me Email Me Info Share Adopt Lentil Adopt Dog, looks like Mixed Breed (Small)…

Best Friends Animal Society — Northwest Arkansas • Bentonville, AR

10+ years
Photo of Diesel, adoptable senior Shih Tzu/Terrier (Unknown Type, Small) in Homer Glen, Illinois

Diesel

Shih Tzu/Terrier (Unknown Type, Small) • Male • 14 years

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

10+ years
Photo of Coco, adoptable senior Maltese in Riverside, California

Coco

Maltese • Female • Small • 14 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

10+ years
Photo of Willy, adoptable senior German Shepherd Dog in Sugar Land, Texas

Willy

German Shepherd Dog • Male • Medium • 14 years

Weight: 33.0HW Status: NegativePotty Trained: YesEnergy Level: LowDog/Cat/Kid possible: Has not been tested for cats nor children. Does well with othe…

Sugar Land Animal Serices • Sugar Land, TX

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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.