At Risk
Harley
This happy boy is Harley. He’s 8 years young and approx 35lbs. He has quite the personality and will let you know when he wants affection. He came in …
Mutts in Need • Newport Beach, CA
Senior dogs in California
Senior dogs for adoption in California
Meet 732 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 211–240 of 732 below.
Last updated September 24, 2026 at 6:22 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
732 senior dogs available in California.
Senior confirmed
Ravioli
Meet Ravioli! Ravioli is an adorable 8-year-old, 11-pound Chihuahua/Dachshund mix with a gentle nature and a sweet personality. This lovely little gir…
Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
10+ years
Maya
Meet Maya! Maya is an approximately 10–11-year-old small Maltese/Poodle-type mix with a gentle, sweet personality. She was rescued after her previous …
Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA
Senior confirmed
Max Boy
Max Boy is a very caring and empathetic dog who aims to please his owners. He responds well to praise as well as verbal reprimanding. He loves to wres…
Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA
10+ years
Archimedes
Archimedes has been reported to have done well living with kids aged 6, 8, and 10 in a previous home and plays well with dogs too! His previous owners…
Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Sushi
Meet Sushi! Sushi is a 7 year old, 14 lb. miniature poodle. This happy little guy is full of love, personality, and charm. He loves to play, run aroun…
Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Marilyn Monroe
South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Justin
07/09/26 14:45Needs rescue URGENTLY due to displaying FAS ranging from 2-3 in kennel consistently, showing as loud and frustrated barking in kennel wh…
San Jose Animal Care Center • San Jose, CA
Senior confirmed
Macy
San Diego County Department of Animal Services - North Shelter • Carlsbad, CA
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Tank
Tank is a sweet and affectionate 70lb. handsome fella. His original owner kept him outdoors on a chain 24/7 and is now being taken care of by neighbor…
California Pitbull Rescue • Berkeley, CA
Senior confirmed
Gwen
Gwen – Sweet, Gentle, and Affiliative Gwen is a 8-year-old German Shepherd Dog mix weighing 68 pounds. She’s a lovely, affectionate girl who enjoys be…
Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA
Senior confirmed
Manchas
Meet Manchas Meet Manchas, a handsome 8-year-old red and white Queensland Heeler mix weighing 50 pounds. With his distinctive coloring and one beautif…
Monterey County Animal Services • Salinas, CA
Senior confirmed
Gordon
Gordon is a friendly, playful pup who loves people and having fun with other dogs! He enjoys running, wrestling, and exploring. Gordon would thrive wi…
Contra Costa Animal Services • Martinez, CA
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Harrison
#A5788465 Say hello to Harrison , an 8-year-old Terrier/Cattle Dog mix with a distinguished salt-and-pepper muzzle and the sweetest soul to match. Thi…
United Hope for Animals • Pasadena, CA
Senior confirmed
Dakota
View this post on Instagram A post shared by City of San Bernardino Department of Animal Services (@sbcitypets)
San Bernardino City Animal Control • San Bernardino, CA
Senior confirmed
Sally
San Diego County Department of Animal Services - South Shelter • Bonita, CA
Senior confirmed
Updated recently
Louis #428
Hello! My name is Louis and I am a 16-pound nine year old, male Bichon Frise mix. My family couldn't take care of me any longer and now I'm a very hap…
Bichon Rescue of Orange County • Placentia, CA
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Alif
Alif is a fluffy toasted marshmallow! He walks well on leash and hangs out with other laid-back dogs very successfully. Alif has been in a foster home…
Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA
Senior confirmed
10+ years
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.