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 181–210 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
Photo of Bo, adoptable senior Boston Terrier in Plano, Texas

Bo

Boston Terrier • Male • 14 years

I might be 14 years old, but don’t let the number fool you—I’ve still got plenty of pep in my step! I’m a 14.5-pound Boston Terrier with a big heart, …

Boston Terrier Rescue of North Texas • Plano, TX

10+ years
Photo of Ken, adoptable senior Labrador Retriever in Charlotte, North Carolina

Ken

Labrador Retriever • Male • Medium • 14 years

Contact foster at: gymvet@hotmail.comHe gets along GREAT with my dogs and is friendly to my cat! Very playful with my dogs in our yard and in the hous…

Animal Care & Control, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department • Charlotte, NC

10+ years
Photo of Maya, adoptable senior Labrador Retriever in San Antonio, Texas

Maya

Labrador Retriever • Female • Large • 14 years

Maya is a gentle senior that is potty trained, knows sit and can be left alone without being crated. She gets along with all animals such as dogs and …

San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX

10+ years
Photo of Mary, adoptable senior Labrador Retriever in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Mary

Labrador Retriever • Female • Medium • 14 years

Albuquerque Animal Services - Westside • Albuquerque, NM

10+ years
Photo of Rusty, adoptable senior Terrier in Mooresville, North Carolina

Rusty

Terrier • Male • Small • 14 years

Rusty may be 14 years young, but he still has plenty of love to give! At 20 lbs, he’s the perfect little companion who loves nothing more than being a…

Piedmont Animal Rescue • Mooresville, NC

10+ years
Photo of Jack Jolly, adoptable senior Jack Russell Terrier in Cuba, New York

Jack Jolly

Jack Russell Terrier • Male • Small • 14 years

Jack Jolly and his friend Little Bear came to JR from a local person who was evicted from her home because the property was sold. This little family l…

Joyful Rescues, Inc. • Cuba, NY

10+ years
Photo of Hazel #spunky-lil-girl, adoptable senior Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie in HOUSTON, Texas

Hazel #spunky-lil-girl

Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie • Female • Small • 14 years

Est. DOB 4/26/12, weight 9 lbs Meet Hazel! Hazel is a sweet, spunky little girl with just the right mix of independence and affection. She has a perso…

HOMELESS & ORPHANED PETS ENDEAVOR • HOUSTON, TX

10+ years
Photo of Lucky, adoptable senior Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Lucky

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler • Female • Medium • 14 years

Lucky - Proof That Good Things Are Worth Waiting For Well...my name is Lucky, which is a little ironic considering I found myselfat the shelter at 14 …

Albuquerque Animal Services - Westside • Albuquerque, NM

10+ years
Photo of Bella, adoptable senior Poodle (Miniature) in San Diego, California

Bella

Poodle (Miniature) • Female • Small • 14 years

Meet Bella! Bella is a 13+ year-old Poodle weighing 16 pounds. Bella is a sweet, gentle, and happy little lady with a heart full of love. She's a clas…

Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

Updated recently
Photos coming soon

Butters

Maltese • Female • Small • Senior

The following information was provided by the previous owner: Butters is a friendly 8 year old Malti-Poo. She enjoys car rides, her kennel, and chew t…

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Animal Care and Regulation • Palmer, AK

10+ years
Photo of Pepe - In a Foster Home, adoptable senior Fox Terrier in South Bend, Indiana

Pepe - In a Foster Home

Fox Terrier • Male • Medium • 14 years

In Foster Home- GlaucomaThis kind, senior gentleman came to us via another shelter after being found as a stray. Pepe' is almost blind and will probab…

Pet Refuge • South Bend, IN

Updated recently
Photo of Mason, adoptable senior Terrier in Dana Point, California

Mason

Terrier • Male • Adult

Meet Mason, a 9 year-old tan Pitbull who is looking for a loving home. Mason has been an outdoor dog all his life, free to roam the great outdoors of …

Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA

10+ years
Photo of Meeka, adoptable senior Pug in Fort Collins, Colorado

Meeka

Pug • Female • Small • 14 years

Hi, I am Meeka. I am a super sweet and gentle older lady looking for a home. I like to cuddle, play and make friends. I have a good history with kids,…

Larimer Humane Society • Fort Collins, CO

10+ years
Photo of Honey, adoptable senior Pit Bull Terrier in St Peters, Missouri

Honey

Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Large • 14 years

Meet Honey — Sweetness That Only Gets Better With Age At 13 years young, Honey is living proof that age is just a number! This lovely senior girl stil…

St Charles County Humane Services • St Peters, MO

At Risk
Photo of Peanut Butter, adoptable senior Chihuahua in oakland, Florida

Peanut Butter

Chihuahua • Male • Small • 14 years

Meet Peanut Butter — a tiny old soul with a big personality and a heart that refuses to be overlooked. At 14 years young, this chihuahua mix found him…

Polka Dogz Pet REscue, INc. • oakland, FL

10+ years
Photo of Lucky, adoptable senior Xoloitzcuintli/Mix in Annapolis, Maryland

Lucky

Xoloitzcuintli/Mix • Male • 14 years

Lucky is an adorable little dog who can take a while to warm up to new people. He enjoys car rides and exploring, and he especially loves getting neck…

SPCA of Anne Arundel County • Annapolis, MD

10+ years
Photo of Soldier, adoptable senior Chihuahua, Short Coat/Mix in Libertyville, Illinois

Soldier

Chihuahua, Short Coat/Mix • Male • 14 years

Due to COVID 19, and the Illinois Shelter in Place order, we have experienced an overwhelming increase in the interest of animal adopting. We have bee…

Placing Paws Rescue • Libertyville, IL

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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.