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
Senior dogs in California
Senior dogs for adoption in California
Meet 733 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 121–150 of 733 below.
Last updated September 24, 2026 at 4:22 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.
158 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
733 senior dogs available in California.
10+ years
Scout
Meet Scout, an absolutely darling 10-pound mini Poodle mix who is ready to steal your heart! This sweet senior boy, around 16 years old, has a gentle …
I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue • Corona, CA
Senior confirmed
Updated recently
Frankie bonded with Harley - San Diego
Dachshund Rescue of Los Angeles • Los Angeles, CA
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Caesar
Hi, I’m an old man who is more than ready to leave shelter life behind and spend my golden years in a loving home! I may be a senior, but I still have…
Chula Vista Animal Care Facility • Chula Vista, CA
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
Senior confirmed
Drew
A sweet, adult dog. He is on the medium to small size for his breed. He is a little skittish on leash but that is not uncommon for his breed. Drew has…
Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation • Sacramento, CA
Updated recently
Scout
Meet Scout! He’s 8 yrs old loving and sweet boy. He loves to hang out with his people and keep them company. He house trained and knows some basic com…
Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA
Senior confirmed
Lady
I'm Lady! I’m a sweet and affectionate pup who absolutely loves attention and getting pets! I already know how to sit and shake, and I’m very treat mo…
Chula Vista Animal Care Facility • Chula Vista, CA
10+ years
Maya
Meet Maya – a spirited 12-year-old looking for a home to relax in. She spent most of her life outdoors with garage access. Maya is food-motivated, kno…
City of Elk Grove Animal Services • Elk Grove, CA
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Little Man Contact Sylva
ONLY CONTACT INFO BELOW! COURTESY POSTING! Little Man is a 13 year old, 20 pound Terrier mix who's owner can no longer care for. He's fully vetted, he…
Starpaws Rescue • Marina Del Rey, CA
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Snowcone
Snowcone is a gentle, sweet, and loving girl — the kind of husky who melts hearts wherever she goes. Calm, well‑mannered, and beautifully composed, sh…
Northern California Sled Dog Rescue • Walnut Creek, CA
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Chico
At 7 years young and a perfectly portable 15 lbs, Chico is a seasoned pro at being a companion. After five years in a home, he found himself back at t…
Mutts in Need • Newport Beach, CA
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Darling Dexter
Dexter is a spry 12 year old senior in good health for his age. He is looking for a new home after the passing of his previous owner. He was clearly w…
New Beginnings for Animals • Mission Viejo, CA
Senior confirmed
Marley
Meet Marley — A Stunning Silver Momma With a Heart of Gold and a Story You’ll Never Forget Marley isn’t just beautiful on the outside — she’s a shinin…
Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA
Senior confirmed
Franklin
West Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
Senior confirmed
Tramp
Meet Tramp – Your Ultimate Fetch Buddy! Tramp is on the lookout for a special home where he can shower his favorite person with love and spend endless…
Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA
10+ years
Sadie
Meet Sadie – The Life of the Party, the Keeper of Smiles, and One of Our Sweetest Seniors Sadie is the kind of dog who instantly fills a home with war…
Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA
Senior confirmed
Calvin
Meet Calvin! He is a one-of-a-kind pup with movie-star looks and a heart of gold. With his icy blue eyes and striking coat, Calvin turns heads everywh…
I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue • Corona, CA
Senior confirmed
Barbie
Barbie – Playful, Smart, and Affectionate Barbie is a Terrier mix under 8 years old, weighing about 36 pounds. She’s a playful, clever girl who loves …
Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA
Senior confirmed
Koda (Bonded to Nikki)
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 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
- 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
- Oakland Animal Services (opens in a new tab) — Oakland, California · See Oakland Animal Services’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
- 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
- Los Angeles County Animal Control - Agoura (opens in a new tab) — Agoura, California · See Los Angeles County Animal Control - Agoura’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
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.