10+ years
Mary Jane
Best Friends Animal Society — Sanctuary (Kanab) • Kanab, UT
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 241–270 of 801 below.
Last updated October 18, 2026 at 3:18 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
Cordelia
Best Friends Animal Society — Sanctuary (Kanab) • Kanab, UT
10+ years
LuLu
Best Friends Animal Society — Sanctuary (Kanab) • Kanab, UT
10+ years
10+ years
Beluga
Affectionate · Apartment Appropriate · Crate Trained · Does well in social environments (outside of the home) · Friendly/social · Lap Dog · Maybe Out …
Freedom Ride Rescue • Raleigh area, NC
10+ years
10+ years
Gertie FC LN
Special Needs · Medical Needs · Dog Friendly · Potty Trained Behavior
Franklin County Humane Society • Union, MO
10+ years
Baxter
Cat Friendly: Unsure · Age of Kids: Unsure · Dog Friendly: Unsure
Five Acres Animal Shelter • St. Charles, MO
10+ years
Barney - Home to Home
Anderson Humane • South Elgin, IL
10+ years
Milo - Home to Home
Anderson Humane • South Elgin, IL
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
Love
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Downey • Downey, CA
10+ years
Ollie
Albuquerque Animal Services - Westside • Albuquerque, NM
10+ years
Banjo
Banjo is a sweet Border Collie Mix born in 2013. He is very smart and loves to play. His beautiful soft coat will not require much maintenance - just …
Straydog Inc • Gun Barrel City, TX
10+ years
10+ years
At Risk
Thor #8
MEET THOR #8! Thor is a 64 lb senior sweetheart with a big heart. Found tied to a park bench and later placed on the euthanasia list at county shelter…
Underdog Rescue of Arizona, LLC • Chandler, AZ
10+ years
Reggie
San Antonio Animal Care Services • San Antonio, TX
10+ years
Cookie
Cookie is a older gal, approximately 13 years old. She may be older but she is still a spunky girl who loves people, dogs, cats, naps, and meal time. …
Saved By Grace Animal Rescue • Shreveport, LA
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
Boo Boo Bear
For a companion dog, 30-pound Boo Boo Bear fits the bill. A laid-back, lovable Cavalier/Beagle mix, wherever you go, he will too. At 13 years young he…
Needy Paws Rescue • St. Louis, MO
10+ years
Alexander: Not At the Shelter (Wendy)
Senior hound Alexander settled into his foster home quite easily, enjoying extra meals and extra rations daily so that he is now pumped and plumped up…
Friends of Campbell County Animal Control • Rustburg, VA
10+ years
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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
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.