10+ years
Nikki (Bonded to Koda)
Nikki and Koda came to us as a bonded pair who ended up in a shelter in SoCal after their owner passed. They had lived on a piece of land in Temecula …
Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary • Petaluma, CA
Senior dogs in California
Senior dogs for adoption in California
Meet 1318 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 601–630 of 1,318 below.
Last updated November 9, 2026 at 3:43 AM EST. 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. Right now the senior dogs listed in California include Pit Bull Terrier, Chihuahua, and German Shepherd, spread across 122 cities and 172 shelters and rescues. Always confirm availability and adoption requirements directly with the shelter or rescue.
172 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
1,318 senior dogs available in California.
10+ years
Cookie
Hi my name is Cookie, I came into the shelter in pretty bad shape. The person who found me was kind enough to foster me to help nurse me back to healt…
Chula Vista Animal Care Facility • Chula Vista, CA
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Shelly
Little Miss Shelly came to us as a stray from Oakland Animal Services. From the minute she arrived to the sanctuary, Shelly has been a joyful and curi…
Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary • Petaluma, CA
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Blossom
Blossom's adoption fee has been paid for with a donation from a community memberAwesome Blossom is phenomenal! She is a friendly, outgoing golden girl…
City of Sacramento Animal Care Services • Sacramento, CA
Senior confirmed
10+ years
At Risk
Coco
Meet COCO – Our Beautiful Shepsky (Shepherd/Husky Mix) Coco is a gentle, soulful 7-year-old Shepsky who was rescued just in time from Contra Costa Ani…
Melita's Dream Animal Rescue • Woodland Hills, CA
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Sheba
This dog is available to meet by appointment/ only. Sheba is a 7-year-old Shiba Inu mix who is having a difficult time adjusting to the shelter enviro…
Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA
Senior confirmed
Stella
Sweet Stella was found as a stray on a rural road in Hollister County next to a bowl of food, water and a blanket. A good Samaritan brought her into t…
Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary • Petaluma, CA
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Sheila
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, 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
Alice
Alice is a Shepherd Mix, her estimated date of birth is 12/1/11 and she weighs 45 lbs. She is up to date on all of her shots and she is fixed. Alice i…
Baja Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Arthur
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Lucy
This sweet senior girl is looking for a loving home after the heartbreaking loss of her beloved owner. She has so much love left to give and is hoping…
Fremont (Tricity) Animal Shelter • Fremont, CA
10+ years
Mc Rib
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, 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.
- 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
- 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 — Jurupa Valley, California · See Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter’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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Contra Costa Animal Services (opens in a new tab) — Martinez, California · See Contra Costa Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Stanislaus County Animal Services (opens in a new tab) — Modesto, California · See Stanislaus County Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation (opens in a new tab) — Sacramento, California · See Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation’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
- Rescue Ranch (opens in a new tab) — Yreka, California · See Rescue Ranch’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Los Angeles County Animal Control - Lancaster (opens in a new tab) — Lancaster, California · See Los Angeles County Animal Control - Lancaster’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- West Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center (opens in a new tab) — Los Angeles, California · See West Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- West Valley Animal Care Center - Los Angeles Animal Services — Chatsworth, California · See West Valley Animal Care Center - Los Angeles Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Riverside County Animal Control - Coachella Shelter (opens in a new tab) — Thousand Palms, California · See Riverside County Animal Control - Coachella Shelter’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- West Valley Animal Care and Control Center (opens in a new tab) — Chatsworth, California · See West Valley Animal Care and Control Center’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
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.
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 a senior dog in California who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.