Senior dogs in Florida

Senior dogs for adoption in Florida

Meet 797 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in Florida. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love. Showing 91–120 of 797 below.

Last updated November 9, 2026 at 1:47 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 Florida 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 Florida include Mixed Breed, Terrier, and Pit Bull Terrier, spread across 56 cities and 80 shelters and rescues. Always confirm availability and adoption requirements directly with the shelter or rescue.

80 shelters and rescues in Florida currently list senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance.

How adoption works in Florida

Florida posts a large number of listings, and most of them come from rescue groups, with heavy concentrations around Miami, Ocala and Tallahassee. A rescue adoption usually means an application first, a conversation, and a dog living in a foster home. Municipal shelters and humane societies list here as well, with walk-in hours.

When a profile stands out, open it and contact the organization that has the dog. An application or a conversation usually follows, then a meet and greet, and an adoption fee set by the organization, which often covers spay or neuter and vaccinations. With listings clustered in a few regions of a long state, many groups help arrange transport within Florida. The organization on the dog's profile holds that dog's history, requirements and availability.

Available senior dogs in Florida

797 senior dogs available in Florida.

Senior confirmed
Photo of Teddy Bear, adoptable senior American Staffordshire Terrier in Palmetto, Florida

Teddy Bear

American Staffordshire Terrier • Male • Large • 7 years

Meet Teddy Bear! Teddy Bear is a 7yr old large size American Staffordshire mix. Teddy Bear came into us on 8-3-26 and shown us a sweet and playful per…

Lincoln County Animal Services • Palmetto, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Jacks, adoptable senior American Staffordshire Terrier in Palmetto, Florida

Jacks

American Staffordshire Terrier • Male • Large • 8 years

Meet Jacks! Jacks is a 8yr old male large size American Staffordshire. Jacks came into us on 7-15-26 and has shown us a sweet, playful and goofy perso…

Lincoln County Animal Services • Palmetto, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Angie, adoptable senior Bull Terrier in Palmetto, Florida

Angie

Bull Terrier • Female • Medium • 7 years

My name is Angie. I am a very loving girl. I love pets and getting on your lap. I do like other dogs but slow introductions would be best.

Lincoln County Animal Services • Palmetto, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Jake, adoptable senior German Shepherd Dog in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Jake

German Shepherd Dog • Male • Large • 8 years

Senior Paws: Giving Senior Dogs a Second ChanceThrough the Senior Paws Program Animal Care partners with The Pet Project to find loving homes for seni…

Broward County Animal Care & Regulation - Ft. Lauderdale • Fort Lauderdale, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Zeus 4, adoptable senior Harrier in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Zeus 4

Harrier • Male • Medium • 9 years

Hi there, I'm Zeus! I am a big enthusiastic guy with a heart of gold and a whole lot of love to give. If your' re looking for a dog who will always ma…

Broward County Animal Care & Regulation - Ft. Lauderdale • Fort Lauderdale, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Jodie, adoptable senior Jack Russell Terrier (Parson Russell Terrier) in Naples, Florida

Jodie

Jack Russell Terrier (Parson Russell Terrier) • Female • Small • 9 years

Collier County Domestic Animal Services • Naples, FL

10+ years
Photo of Daisy - F, adoptable senior Beagle in Tampa, Florida

Daisy - F

Beagle • Female • Medium • 10 years

We take the dogs that are adopted down...so if a dog is on the website they are available. Obedience training and fully fenced in yard is required for…

Heidi's Legacy Dog Rescue • Tampa, FL

10+ years
Photo of Snowee, adoptable senior Terrier in oakland, Florida

Snowee

Terrier • Male • Small • 12 years

At 12 years young, Snowee is proof that the best companions only get sweeter with age. This handsome Terrier mix is a gentle, loving soul who forms a …

Polka Dogz Pet REscue, INc. • oakland, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Ciara, adoptable senior German Shorthaired Pointer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Ciara

German Shorthaired Pointer • Female • Large • 8 years

My name is Ciara, I am a happy-go-lucky pup who absolutely thrives on outdoor adventures and every bit of affection I can get. I never meet a stranger…

Broward County Animal Care & Regulation - Ft. Lauderdale • Fort Lauderdale, FL

10+ years
Photo of Elvis, adoptable senior Dachshund in Weston, Florida

Elvis

Dachshund • Male • Small • 11 years

11 year old male 13 pounds Good with other dogs Has a heart murmur that requires medication He is doing well and did well under anesthesia for his den…

Dachshund Rescue South Florida • Weston, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Nile, adoptable senior Plott Hound in Tavares, Florida

Nile

Plott Hound • Male • Large • 8 years

Meet Nile! This energetic, goofy boy is always ready for his next adventure, whether it's chasing a toy, going for a walk, or simply making everyone l…

Lake County Animal Services • Tavares, FL

10+ years
Photo of Beanie, adoptable senior Shih Tzu in Miami, Florida

Beanie

Shih Tzu • Male • Small • 16 years

Name: Beanie Breed: Shih Tzu terrier mix Age: 16 years oldVaccines: vet deferred rabies due to his age but all up to date Any medical conditions: none…

Paws 4 You Rescue • Miami, FL

Senior dogs in Florida by breed

Senior dogs in Florida by city

Shelters & rescues with senior dogs in Florida

These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.

Low-cost spay, neuter and vet care in Florida

Programs that help Florida adopters keep a dog healthy on a budget. Each page was checked on 2026-09-10; confirm current hours and eligibility with the organization.

Senior dogs in other states

All statesBrowse by breed

Adopting a senior dog in Florida — 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 Florida?

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 Florida?

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 Florida?

Yes. Most shelters and rescues in Florida welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport within Florida 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 Florida?

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 Florida instead of adopting?

Many shelters and rescues in Florida 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 Florida 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

Know a senior dog in Florida who needs a home?

Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.