Senior confirmed
Krypto
Meet Krypto – 9-Year-Old Terrier Mix, 14 lbs of Pure Sweetness! Krypto is a mellow, affectionate little guy looking for his forever home. At 9 years o…
Second Leash on Life • San Diego, CA
Senior dogs in California
Senior dogs for adoption in California
Meet 731 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 421–450 of 731 below.
Last updated September 24, 2026 at 8:21 PM EDT. Listings refresh throughout the day. Always confirm a dog’s availability with the shelter or rescue before making plans.
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.
157 shelters and rescues in California currently list senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance.
How adoption works in California
California's listings are numerous and come from a broad mix of municipal shelters, humane societies and rescue groups, with a large share from around San Bernardino, Bakersfield and Riverside. A municipal or county shelter usually lets you walk in during open hours, while rescue groups tend to place dogs from foster homes and begin with an application.
When you find a dog you like, open the profile and reach the organization listed there. You can expect an application or a conversation, a meet and greet, and an adoption fee that the organization sets, often covering spay or neuter and vaccinations. Because listings cluster in a few cities, many groups help arrange transport within the state. The organization on the dog's profile keeps that dog's history, requirements and availability.
Available senior dogs in California
731 senior dogs available in California.
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Sully
Meet Sully! Sully is a 7-year-old, 23-pound Dachshund/Beagle mix with plenty of energy and personality packed into those short little legs! If you’re …
Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
Senior confirmed
Blue
Blue — Distinguished, Devoted, and Ready for His Next Chapter Blue is a 67‑lb handsome gentleman with the heart (and teeth!) of a much younger dog. Do…
Northern California Sled Dog Rescue • Walnut Creek, CA
Senior confirmed
Borris
Borris. This mellow guy loves cuddles, sofa time, toys, bones, and mealtime. He enjoys walks and car rides, and would thrive in a calm home. He’d be h…
Every Pet's Dream • Santa Clara, CA
10+ years
Mia
Read Mia's biography below to learn what she needs in a home placement and how to apply. No out of state Name: MiaAge: 10 yrs oldSex: female, spayedBr…
Animals Rule Placement Foundation • San Pedro, CA
10+ years
Chiquita
Meet Chiquita Chiquita is a gentle 10-year-old, 12 lb poodle–schnauzer mix with the sweetest heart. Her world was recently turned upside down when her…
The Heroic Tail • San Diego, CA
10+ years
Halo
Halo is a sweet girl who loves human affection. She even spent time around kids in her previous home. Halo is generally a couch potato, but appreciate…
Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary • Petaluma, CA
10+ years
Steven
Shadow and Steven have spent their entire lives side-by-side, forming a bond that’s as steady and loyal as their sweet, senior hearts. Now living out …
Santa Barbara County Animal Services - Santa Maria • Santa Maria, CA
Senior confirmed
Connie
Solano County Sheriff's Office Animal Care Division • Fairfield, CA
10+ years
Lucky Rios
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park • Baldwin Park, CA
10+ years
Bruno
Bruno came to us after his owner could longer care for him after undergoing some health issues. So far, Bruno has been a perfect guest. Bruno is a hap…
Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary • Petaluma, CA
10+ years
Dibo
Riverside County Animal Control - Coachella Shelter • Thousand Palms, CA
Senior confirmed
Austra
Austra is a shy girl* Austra likes toys* Austra does better with calmer dogs**if adopted, a sponsor will pay for alteration and rabies**• While we str…
Moreno Valley Animal Shelter • Moreno Valley, CA
10+ years
Baru
Meet Baru, the adolescent Queensland Heeler and terrier mix. Baru is an endearing, soft pup who came to the Shelter after his previous guardian had an…
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter • Santa Cruz, CA
10+ years
Moana
Meet Moana, the adolescent Queensland Heeler and terrier mix. Moana is an endearing, soft pup who came to the Shelter after her previous guardian had …
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter • Santa Cruz, CA
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Odie
Meet Odie – Our Distinguished Gentlepup Odie the Rat Terrier is the ultimate mellow soul, with just the right sprinkle of playful energy to keep life …
PAW Estate Rescue and Shelter Inc • Visalia, CA
10+ years
10+ years
Theo
Theo joined our rescue earlier this year. Sadly for Theo, he has spent the majority of his 10 years in a kennel with little connection to the outside …
Coastal K9 German Shepherd Rescue • San Diego, CA
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Abigail
Meet Abigail! Abigail is a 13-year-old, 6.5-pound Miniature Poodle with a happy, confident personality and so much love to give. This sweet little lad…
Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
Senior confirmed
Trina
Meet Trina! Trina is a sweet and gentle 8 year old, 8 lb Maltese mix who loves nothing more than being close to her person. She has an affectionate na…
I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue • Corona, CA
Senior confirmed
Hank
Santa Barbara County Animal Services - Santa Barbara • Santa Barbara, CA
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Shadow
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA
10+ years
10+ years
Bodi
Personality: affectionate, sweet Breed: terrier mix Age: 11 years Weight: Sex: male Rescued from Tehama County House trained loves to walk/hike…
Coppers Dream • Sunnyvale, CA
Senior confirmed
Gracie
Gracie – “Silver” female, 9 years, 72 lbs. Meet Gracie — 9 Years Young & Full of Love! Gracie came to us as a foster on September 4th after being surr…
Labrador Retriever Rescue of Fresno • Clovis, CA
Senior confirmed
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 (opens in a new tab) — Camarillo, California · See Ventura County Animal Regulation’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter (opens in a new tab) — Riverside, California · See Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- North Central Animal Care and Control (opens in a new tab) — Los Angeles, California · See North Central Animal Care and Control’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Rescue Ranch (opens in a new tab) — Yreka, California · See Rescue Ranch’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Rocket Dog Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Oakland, California · See Rocket Dog Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Orange County Animal Care Center (opens in a new tab) — Orange, California · See Orange County Animal Care Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Harbor Animal Care and Control Center (opens in a new tab) — San Pedro, California · See Harbor Animal Care and Control Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Second Chance Dog Rescue (opens in a new tab) — San Diego, California · See Second Chance Dog Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- California Bully Rescue (opens in a new tab) — California, California · See California Bully Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Los Angeles County Animal Control - Carson (opens in a new tab) — Gardena, California · See Los Angeles County Animal Control - Carson’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- San Bernardino City Animal Control (opens in a new tab) — San Bernardino, California · See San Bernardino City Animal Control’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center (opens in a new tab) — Los Angeles, California · See South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- San José Animal Care Center (opens in a new tab) — San Jose, California · See San José Animal Care Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Love All Animals (opens in a new tab) — Dana Point, California · See Love All Animals’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Love All Animals (opens in a new tab) — Dana Point, California · See Love All Animals’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary (opens in a new tab) — Petaluma, California · See Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Mutts in Need (opens in a new tab) — Newport Beach, California · See Mutts in Need’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Oakland Animal Services (opens in a new tab) — Oakland, California · See Oakland Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- City of Sacramento Animal Care Services (opens in a new tab) — Sacramento, California · See City of Sacramento Animal Care Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park (opens in a new tab) — 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 (opens in a new tab) — Downey, California · See Los Angeles County Animal Control - Downey’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- WAGS Pet Adoption (opens in a new tab) — Westminster, California · See WAGS Pet Adoption’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- East Valley Animal Care and Control Center (opens in a new tab) — Van Nuys, California · See East Valley Animal Care and Control Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (opens in a new tab) — Alameda, California · See Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
Low-cost spay, neuter and vet care in California
Programs that help California adopters keep a dog healthy on a budget. Each page was checked on 2026-09-10; confirm current hours and eligibility with the organization.
- Spay / neuterLA County Animal Care and Control Spay and Neuter (opens in a new tab) — County voucher program and low cost mobile clinics for dogs and cats in unincorporated areas and contract cities.
- Spay / neuterSan Diego Humane Society Reduced Fee Spay and Neuter Services (opens in a new tab) — Directory of reduced fee spay and neuter providers and assistance programs throughout San Diego County.
- Spay / neuterSan Francisco SPCA Spay/Neuter Clinic (opens in a new tab) — Affordable spay and neuter surgery for cats and dogs with financial assistance for eligible San Francisco residents.
- Help paying for careEast Bay SPCA Pet Care Financial Assistance (opens in a new tab) — Veterinary care grants and spay and neuter vouchers for pet owners in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
- Spay / neuterSacramento SPCA Spay/Neuter Clinic (opens in a new tab) — Sacramento nonprofit spay and neuter clinic with a fee schedule, wait list and community cat program.
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.