10+ years
Lentil
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
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 151–180 of 801 below.
Last updated October 18, 2026 at 2:44 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
Scotty
Fayette County Animal Shelter • Fayetteville, WV
10+ years
10+ years
Diesel
Shih Tzu Rescue, Adoption & Education Safehouse (S.T.R.A.E.S.) • Homer Glen, IL
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
Willy
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
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
Peewee
City of Houston, Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care • Houston, TX
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
Eevee and Ellie
Meet Eevee and Ellie! Eevee is a devoted thirteen-year-old Pomeranian/Papillon mix and Ellie is a sixteen-year-old German Shepherd mix. They are curre…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
10+ years
10+ years
Eevee
Meet Eevee! A charming fourteen-year-old Pomeranian/Papillon mix currently in Chula Vista, CA, Eevee is open to a loving home anywhere in the U.S. Wei…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
Buster
At 14 years young, Buster is a handsome Red Heeler mix with a gentle, easygoing personality and plenty of love and adventures left to share. He is aff…
Community Animal Welfare Society • Salt Lake City, UT
10+ years
10+ years
Sugar Chi
Sugar Chi is a 14 year old female senior Chihuahua, but don't let her age fool you. She is still very healthy and active. She would like to be held mo…
Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog Rescue • Thomasville, NC
10+ years
Carson
Meet Carson, a 14-year-old Westie mix weighing 21 pounds. This distinguished gentleman may be in his golden years, but he still has plenty of love lef…
Wish Bone Canine Rescue • Normal, IL
10+ years
10+ years
Milo
Milo is a 14-year-old senior looking for a quiet retirement home where he can enjoy his golden years at his own pace. He is almost completely deaf and…
Marion County Animal Services • Ocala, FL
10+ years
Caesar
Hi, I’m an old man who is more than ready to leave shelter life behind and spend my golden years in a loving home! I may be a senior, but I still have…
Chula Vista Animal Care Facility • Chula Vista, CA
10+ years
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.