10+ years
Grandpa Leo
Allow us to introduce Grandpa Leo, a charming 12-year-old Shih Tzu with a heart as big as his personality. Life has given him a few bumps along the wa…
Polka Dogz Pet REscue, INc. • oakland, FL
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 121–150 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.
10+ years
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Harry
Broward County Animal Care & Regulation - Ft. Lauderdale • Fort Lauderdale, FL
10+ years
Spotty
Meet Spotty! At 16 years young, Spotty is a sweet senior with a heart full of love—literally! He came to us after his previous family could no longer …
Polka Dogz Pet REscue, INc. • oakland, FL
10+ years
10+ years
Darwin
12 year old male, 17 pounds Darwin is naked. Dogs of this silver color are beautiful and have lovely coats when they are young and then lose their fur…
Dachshund Rescue South Florida • Weston, FL
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Lucky
It could be YOUR lucky day...if you come in and ask to meet me, Lucky! I entered the shelter due to no fault of my own. My momma had to enter a nursin…
Marion County Animal Services • Ocala, FL
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Chops (Foxy)
Chops is an all-around wonderful, well-behaved dog with a wonderfully young and playful spirit! He is housetrained, respects the rules of the house, a…
Marion County Animal Services • Ocala, FL
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Poppie
Poppie is an adorable approx. 8yo, 16-lb. possible chihuahua/pug mix. Her curly-Q pigtail is the cutest thing. She came to LR obese, weighing 21 lbs. …
Lil Rascals Dog Rescue • Osteen, FL
Senior confirmed
Axel
Few Angels wear this house better than Axel. He came to EADR in critical condition after a frightening start to his story, but through surgery and mon…
Everglades Angels Dog Rescue • Pompano Beach, FL
Senior confirmed
Astro
Name: Astro Breed: Boston Terrier Age: 9 years old Vaccines: Up to date - Due April 2026 Any medical conditions: Deaf Neutered: No Chip: No Temperamen…
Paws 4 You Rescue • Miami, FL
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Rudolph (Rudy)
After coming to us in rough shape, our sweet senior boy Rudy has made an incredible transformation. He's now healthy, active, and thriving . Somewhere…
Payton's Promise Sanctuary • Marathon, FL
Senior confirmed
Cookie
Look at what a couple of weeks of good care can do!! Cookie is a sweet 7 year old boy who weighs 18 pounds. He’s good with all people and other dogs. …
Dachshund Rescue South Florida • Weston, FL
10+ years
Billy FOREVER FOSTER - Lechile
Meet Billy—also known as “Sir Snacks-a-Lot." He is the definition of unconditional love. Billy is truly the total package when it comes to a laid-back…
Lil Rascals Dog Rescue • Osteen, FL
10+ years
Chester
Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center • Tallahassee, FL
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Smokie Joe
Smokie Joe could use a lucky break. This 8 yr old guy was not in great condition when we found him. He needed a few healthy meals, some medical attent…
Marion County Animal Services • Ocala, FL
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Tucker
No one has asked about Tucker… and we can’t understand why. He’s only 11 pounds. He’s gentle. He’s loving. And all he wants… is someone to stay close …
NAIA's Pet Rescue • west Palm Beach, FL
10+ years
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.
- Miami Dade Animal Services (opens in a new tab) — Miami, Florida · See Miami Dade Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Miami Dade Animal Services — Doral, Florida · See Miami Dade Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Big Dog Ranch Rescue — Loxahatchee Groves, Florida · See Big Dog Ranch Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Marion County Animal Services (opens in a new tab) — Ocala, Florida · See Marion County Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Miami-Dade Animal Services (opens in a new tab) — Doral, Florida · See Miami-Dade Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Pasco County Animal Services — Land O' Lakes, Florida · See Pasco County Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Foster Home (opens in a new tab) — Palmetto, Florida · See Foster Home’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Clay County Animal Care and Control (opens in a new tab) — Green Cove Springs, Florida · See Clay County Animal Care and Control’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Lake County Animal Services (opens in a new tab) — Tavares, Florida · See Lake County Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Broward County Animal Care & Regulation - Ft. Lauderdale (opens in a new tab) — Fort Lauderdale, Florida · See Broward County Animal Care & Regulation - Ft. Lauderdale’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League of the Palm Beaches, Inc. (opens in a new tab) — West Palm Beach, Florida · See Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League of the Palm Beaches, Inc.’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Seminole County Animal Services (opens in a new tab) — Sanford, Florida · See Seminole County Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Collier County Domestic Animal Services (opens in a new tab) — Naples, Florida · See Collier County Domestic Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Polka Dogz Pet REscue, INc. (opens in a new tab) — oakland, Florida · See Polka Dogz Pet REscue, INc.’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Orange County Animal Services (opens in a new tab) — Orlando, Florida · See Orange County Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control (opens in a new tab) — West Palm Beach, Florida · See Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Lil Rascals Dog Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Osteen, Florida · See Lil Rascals Dog Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Dachshund Rescue South Florida (opens in a new tab) — Weston, Florida · See Dachshund Rescue South Florida’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Humane Society of Broward County (opens in a new tab) — Ft Lauderdale, Florida · See Humane Society of Broward County’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Manatee County Animal Services (opens in a new tab) — Palmetto, Florida · See Manatee County Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- SPCA Florida (opens in a new tab) — Lakeland, Florida · See SPCA Florida’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Paws 4 You Rescue — Miami, Florida · See Paws 4 You Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- SouthEast Beagle Rescue Inc. (opens in a new tab) — Dunnellon, Florida · See SouthEast Beagle Rescue Inc.’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center (opens in a new tab) — Tallahassee, Florida · See Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center’s senior dogs 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.
- Spay / neuterMiami-Dade County Animal Services Spay or Neuter Surgery for Pets (opens in a new tab) — Low cost spay and neuter for county residents at Doral and Homestead clinics, with income based discounts.
- Spay / neuterHumane Society of Tampa Bay Low-Cost Spay and Neuter (opens in a new tab) — Affordable spay and neuter surgery by appointment for cats, dogs and rabbits at the Hillsborough campus.
- Low-cost vet careHumane Society of Broward County Services (opens in a new tab) — Outpatient clinic offering lower cost spay and neuter and walk in vaccinations in Fort Lauderdale.
- Spay / neuterHumane Society of Greater Miami Spay/Neuter Services (opens in a new tab) — Affordable spay and neuter packages with optional preventive care and limited hardship funding in North Miami Beach.
Senior dogs in other states
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
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 Florida who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.