10+ years
Archie
Archie is a 12 year old Terrier mix who was adopted from our rescue years ago and recently returned when his family lost their home. He has adjusted w…
Domino Effect Animal Rescue • Temecula, 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 931–960 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
WINSTON
I’m a lovable, easygoing guy with a smile that could melt just about anyone’s heart. I originally came to HSVC as a stray and quickly became a staff f…
Humane Society of Ventura County • Ojai, CA
10+ years
Cricket
Cricket: small dog, big cozy energy At 4.5 lbs and about 13–14 years old, Cricket is a professional napper who perks right up for sunshine and snacks.…
Grateful Dogs Rescue • San Francisco, CA
Senior confirmed
KING
KING is a senior male German Shepherd Dog at Corona Animal Services in Corona, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Corona Animal Services • Corona, CA
Senior confirmed
Cinder
Meet Cinder Cinder is a handsome 7-year-old, 56-pound boy who’s ready to find a home to call his own. He’s neutered, healthy, and just received a clea…
The Heroic Tail • San Diego, CA
Senior confirmed
HANA
Hi, I’m Hana! I’m a sweet girl who warms up quickly. I love spending time with my people, whether we’re going for a walk or just hanging out. I also h…
Irvine Animal Care Center • Irvine, CA
Senior confirmed
MISSISSIPPI
This senior boxer lady is so sweet and playful and curious. She may no longer operate the max speed always, but she's still got plenty of gas in the t…
Burbank Animal Shelter • Burbank, CA
10+ years
Sasha
Sasha is a small female Poodle (Miniature), a senior, at The Brittany Foundation Animal Sanctuary in Acton, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
The Brittany Foundation Animal Sanctuary • Acton, CA
10+ years
Candy
Courtesy Post – Seeking a New Home Please note: Candy is not at the shelter. This is a courtesy post to help the owner find a safe and appropriate new…
Yolo County Animal Services Shelter • Woodland, CA
Senior confirmed
Corky
Corky is a sweet, older gentleman whose previous owner could no longer care for him. They made the difficult decision to bring him to the shelter so t…
Friends of the Seal Beach Animal Care Center • Seal Beach, CA
Senior confirmed
Walter
Meet Walter — The 100% Egyptian Street Dog and Blanket Expert. There were no options to select "Egyptian Street Dog" or "Baladi", so we had to select …
Silicon Valley Pet Project • San Jose, 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
ROCKY
ROCKY is a senior male Pit Bull Terrier, large-sized, located at North Central Animal Care and Control in Los Angeles, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful …
North Central Animal Care and Control • Los Angeles, CA
Senior confirmed
POPPY
POPPY is a senior female Akita (large) at East Valley Animal Care and Control Center in Van Nuys, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
East Valley Animal Care and Control Center • Van Nuys, CA
Senior confirmed
LEO
LEO is a senior male Labrador Retriever, large in size, currently at Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter in Riverside, CA. Senior dogs…
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA
10+ years
DOVEY
Lovey Dovey lives up to her name and is looking for a forever home with a cozy lap to snuggle. She has been living happily in a foster home with a res…
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter • Santa Cruz, CA
Senior confirmed
Kirby
Life is pretty amazing when you’ve got a loyal companion like me by your side! My name’s Kirby and I'm 8 years old. I can be a little shy when meeting…
City of Elk Grove Animal Services • Elk Grove, CA
Senior confirmed
Freddy
Frederick aka Freddy - Senior Chiweenie, Lifetime of Swagger Included Let's hear it for the distinguished gentlemen of the dog world...because Freddy …
Our Underdog Rescue Squad • La Verne, CA
10+ years
Princess
Meet Princess Princess is a 10-year-old, 103-pound Pitbull whose life story will break your heart — and then completely inspire you. She was living on…
Second Leash on Life • San Diego, CA
Senior confirmed
NAKIA
Looking for a loyal companion with a heart of gold? Meet Nakia, a stunning 7-year-old black pitbull mix who is ready to find her forever sofa. Nakia i…
Hayward Animal Services Bureau • Hayward, CA
Senior confirmed
POPS
POPS is a senior male Siberian Husky, medium size, currently at Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter in Riverside, CA. Senior dogs make…
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA
Senior confirmed
Rigatoni
Meet Rigatoni! He is a charming long-haired Chihuahua around 8 years old with a calm, loving personality that instantly wins people over. True to his …
I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue • Corona, CA
Senior confirmed
KAIA
KAIA is a senior female Pit Bull Terrier, large, located in Long Beach, CA at Long Beach Animal Care Services. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Long Beach Animal Care Services • Long Beach, CA
Senior confirmed
Booker
Hi, I just arrived at It's The Pits. ITP is still getting to know me and will write my bio soon. Check back to read more about me or email adoptions@i…
It's The Pits • San Diego, CA
Senior confirmed
ROCKIE
ROCKIE is a senior female Pit Bull Terrier, a large dog at Pasadena Humane in Pasadena, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Pasadena Humane • Pasadena, CA
Senior confirmed
WINSTON
Looking for a laid back shepherd? Winston's your guy! He recently did amazing on a field trip outside of the shelter, where he was great in the car, e…
Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA
Senior confirmed
Mosho
Seven-year-old Mosho is a friendly, happy boy. He arrived with his pal, Cleo, but Cleo has already found a new home. They came from a home with childr…
Golden Gate Basset Rescue • Petaluma, CA
10+ years
BERTHA
BERTHA is a senior female German Shepherd Dog, large, at Corona Animal Services in Corona, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Corona Animal Services • Corona, CA
10+ years
HERCULES
HERCULES is a large male Siberian Husky senior at Harbor Animal Care and Control Center in San Pedro, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Harbor Animal Care and Control Center • San Pedro, CA
10+ years
CHICKADEE
CHICKADEE is a senior female Siberian Husky (large) at Harbor Animal Care and Control Center in San Pedro, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Harbor Animal Care and Control Center • San Pedro, 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.