10+ years
Rocco
Meet Rocco! This lovable and friendly boy is around 1 year old and we believe he is a Boxer and Shepherd mix. He is housetrained, crated trained and i…
California Labradors Retrievers and More Rescue • San Diego, CA
Senior dogs in California
Senior dogs for adoption in California
Meet 1199 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in California. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love. Showing 391–420 of 1,199 below.
Last updated July 12, 2026 at 9:30 AM EDT. Listings refresh automatically, usually every 12 hours.
Senior dogs — age 7 and up — wait far longer for homes than puppies, even though they're usually already house-trained, past the chewing stage, and happy to nap at your feet. Adopting an older dog in California means you typically know their size, temperament, and energy level from day one: fewer surprises, and a grateful companion who settles in fast. Always confirm availability and adoption requirements directly with the shelter or rescue.
Available senior dogs in California
Senior confirmed
ZION
ZION is a senior male German Shepherd Dog at Los Angeles County Animal Control - Castaic in Castaic, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Castaic • Castaic, CA
10+ years
SOPHIE
SOPHIE is a small female Labrador Retriever senior at San Bernardino City Animal Control in San Bernardino, CA. Senior dogs like SOPHIE make wonderful…
San Bernardino City Animal Control • San Bernardino, CA
10+ years
Stella
Meet Stella Stella is a stunning 4-year-old Shepherd/Husky mix with the perfect balance of intelligence, loyalty, and sweetness. This beautiful girl i…
Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA
10+ years
ANASTASIA
ANASTASIA is a senior female Labrador Retriever / German Shepherd Dog, medium in size, at San Bernardino City Animal Control in San Bernardino, CA. Se…
San Bernardino City Animal Control • San Bernardino, CA
Senior confirmed
MAGGIE
MAGGIE is a senior female Pit Bull Terrier, large, located at Orange County Animal Care Center in Orange, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Orange County Animal Care Center • Orange, CA
Senior confirmed
ROCKY
Rocky takes life in at a slow and gentle pace. He may act independent at first, but once he gets to know you he lets his affectionate and playful side…
Contra Costa Animal Services • Martinez, CA
At Risk
Belladonna
Belladonna IS AVAILABLE (updated 06-27-2026). To meet any of our dogs, complete our online adoption application on our website: http://www.coastalgsr.…
Coastal German Shepherd Rescue • Irvine, CA
10+ years
ZOE
#A5769666 Zoe Zoe is a stunning 11-year-old spayed female weighing 89 pounds. This sweet senior girl came to the shelter after the heartbreaking loss …
United Hope for Animals • Pasadena, CA
10+ years
LIL BOY
LIL BOY is a senior male Chihuahua, small, at Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter in Riverside, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful compani…
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA
Senior confirmed
KUMA
#A5772397 Say hello to Kuma , a 5-year-old Plott Hound mix who is the very definition of tall, dark, and handsome! Long, lean, and leggy like a shadow…
United Hope for Animals • Pasadena, CA
Senior confirmed
ROSE
#A5772310 Rosie Meet Rosie – The Loyal Adventure Buddy Rosie is a smart, spirited Shepherd mix with a playful streak and a heart that shines once she …
United Hope for Animals • Pasadena, CA
10+ years
LILLY BELL
Meet Lilly Bell!10-Year-Old Spayed Female LabradorLilly Bell is a gentle, golden-hearted senior who’s been through more than her fair share lately. Af…
Santa Barbara County Animal Services - Santa Maria • Santa Maria, CA
Senior confirmed
Dublin
Meet Dublin! Dublin is a sweet, gentle 7-year-old, 24 lb. Dachshund mix with a heart of gold. Although he’s had a very difficult start to life, it has…
Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
Senior confirmed
A168403
A168403 is a male Miniature Poodle, a senior medium-size dog at Bakersfield Animal Care Center in Bakersfield, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companio…
Bakersfield Animal Care Center • Bakersfield, CA
10+ years
MAX
MAX is a medium male German Shepherd Dog, a senior, currently at Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park in Baldwin Park, CA. Senior dogs mak…
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park • Baldwin Park, CA
10+ years
Moe
Meet Moe, a resilient 5-year-old soul with a heart made of pure gold. After a difficult start in a hoarding situation, this sweet baby is ready to emb…
Three Eye Blind Animal Rescue • ROSEVILLE, CA
10+ years
Tony
Tony – Energetic, Affectionate, and Full of Husky Charm Tony is a 4-year-old Siberian Husky mix weighing 54 pounds with striking heterochromia and a f…
Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA
10+ years
Orion
Orion – Gentle, Mellow, and Full of Heart Orion is a handsome 4-year-old Belgian Shepherd Malinois mix weighing 83 pounds with a calm, sweet personali…
Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA
Senior confirmed
Pixie
Personality: happy, playful Breed: pit mix Age: 2-3 years old Weight: 40lbs Sex: female Rescued from Lake County Enjoys her canine friends, but…
Coppers Dream • Sunnyvale, CA
Senior confirmed
BOLO
BOLO is a senior male Pit Bull Terrier, a large dog at South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center in Los Angeles, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful…
South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
Senior confirmed
DAISY
Daisy knows sit* Daisy loves treats, she catches them mid-air* Daisy appears to be potty trained* Daisy enjoys all toys but her favorite are stuffed* …
Moreno Valley Animal Shelter • Moreno Valley, CA
10+ years
KOBE
KOBE is a senior male German Shepherd Dog, medium-sized, at Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park in Baldwin Park, CA. Senior dogs make won…
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park • Baldwin Park, CA
10+ years
Moonbeam
Moonbeam – Playful, Sweet, and Eager to Bond Moonbeam is a petite Belgian Shepherd Malinois mix just over 4 years old and weighing 45 pounds. She’s a …
Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA
Senior confirmed
Shirley
Personality: affectionate, friendly Breed: pit/hound mix Age: 1-2 years Weight: Sex: female House trained, no accidents Sleeps through night in…
Coppers Dream • Sunnyvale, CA
Senior confirmed
SHAGGY
SHAGGY is a senior male German Shepherd Dog, a large dog at West Valley Animal Care and Control Center in Chatsworth, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful c…
West Valley Animal Care and Control Center • Chatsworth, CA
Senior confirmed
CANDY
CANDY is a senior female German Shepherd Dog, large, currently at West Valley Animal Care and Control Center in Chatsworth, CA. Senior dogs make wonde…
West Valley Animal Care and Control Center • Chatsworth, CA
10+ years
Inari
Inari is a 6-year-old, 63-pound pittie gal who has quickly become a foster-home favorite. While new places and unfamiliar people can be a little overw…
Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA
10+ years
Pancake
Meet Pancake! Pancake was rescued from South LA shelter. We believe she is around 4 years old. She is the absolute sweetest pup just desperate for lov…
Starpaws Rescue • Marina Del Rey, CA
At Risk
RIAN
“My favorite thing about Rian is he’s never met a stranger!” 8 year old shepherd Rian is an absolute gem. Great with meeting new people, knows basic c…
Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA
Senior dogs in California by breed
Senior dogs in California by city
Shelters & rescues with senior dogs in California
These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.
- Ventura County Animal Regulation — Camarillo, California · See Ventura County Animal Regulation’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center — Los Angeles, California · See South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter — Riverside, California · See Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park — Baldwin Park, California · See Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Los Angeles County Animal Control - Downey — Downey, California · See Los Angeles County Animal Control - Downey’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Los Angeles County Animal Control - Lancaster — Lancaster, California · See Los Angeles County Animal Control - Lancaster’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- United Hope for Animals — Pasadena, California · See United Hope for Animals’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- North Central Animal Care and Control — Los Angeles, California · See North Central Animal Care and Control’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Orange County Animal Care Center — Orange, California · See Orange County Animal Care Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- San Bernardino City Animal Control — San Bernardino, California · See San Bernardino City Animal Control’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Canine Adoption and Rescue League — Santa Paula, California · See Canine Adoption and Rescue League’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Kern Co Animal Control Dept - Bakersfield — Bakersfield, California · See Kern Co Animal Control Dept - Bakersfield’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- West Valley Animal Care and Control Center — Chatsworth, California · See West Valley Animal Care and Control Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- East Valley Animal Care and Control Center — Van Nuys, California · See East Valley Animal Care and Control Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Riverside County Animal Control - Coachella Shelter — Thousand Palms, California · See Riverside County Animal Control - Coachella Shelter’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Contra Costa Animal Services — Martinez, California · See Contra Costa Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Harbor Animal Care and Control Center — San Pedro, California · See Harbor Animal Care and Control Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Los Angeles County Animal Control - Carson — Gardena, California · See Los Angeles County Animal Control - Carson’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Mutts in Need — Newport Beach, California · See Mutts in Need’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Oakland Animal Services — Oakland, California · See Oakland Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Pasadena Humane — Pasadena, California · See Pasadena Humane’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Stanislaus County Animal Services — Modesto, California · See Stanislaus County Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Moreno Valley Animal Shelter — Moreno Valley, California · See Moreno Valley Animal Shelter’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Wags and Whiskers Pet Rescue — Chico, California · See Wags and Whiskers Pet Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
Senior dogs in other states
Adopting a senior dog in California — 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.
How do I adopt a senior dog in California?
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 senior dogs in one place so they're easier to find — the adoption itself happens through the local group.
How much does it cost to adopt a senior dog in California?
Adoption fees vary by organization, but senior dogs are frequently discounted or sponsored because they wait the longest. Many rescues also begin any needed medical care before adoption. The dog's profile or the shelter can confirm the current fee.
Are senior dogs harder to care for?
Usually not. Older dogs are typically calmer and already trained, which makes the first weeks far easier than with a puppy. Some have age-related needs like a special diet or joint support, and the listing or shelter will tell you what to expect.
Can I adopt a senior dog from another city in California?
Yes. Most shelters and rescues in California welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport within California for the right match. Open a dog's profile to see the organization's contact details and ask them directly how their process works.
What should I expect in the first weeks after adopting a senior dog in California?
Senior dogs usually settle in faster than puppies because they're already past the most demanding stage. Expect a brief adjustment period — they may be shy at first, then relax into their personality. A consistent routine, a comfortable spot to rest, and patience are usually all it takes.
Can I foster a senior dog in California instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues in California offer foster programs — sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path so you can try the match before committing. Fostering is especially valuable for senior dogs because it gets them out of a kennel and into a calm home while they wait for their forever family. Ask the organization on any dog's profile whether fostering is available.
Are senior dogs good with children or other pets in a California home?
Many senior dogs are calm, gentle, and well-suited to family life — but it depends on the individual dog more than anything else. The shelter or rescue caring for each dog can tell you their specific history with children, cats, and other dogs before you apply. Many organizations offer meet-and-greets to make sure the match is right for everyone.
Know a senior dog in California who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.