Senior confirmed
Taco
Say hello to Taco, a short, stout little pocket Pitty/English Bulldog with a whole lot of personality packed into a compact body! Taco isn’t looking f…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
Senior dogs in Iowa
Senior dogs for adoption in Iowa
Meet 27 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in Iowa. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love.
Last updated August 21, 2026 at 1:43 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 Iowa 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 Iowa
Senior confirmed
Molly
This sweet girl is older and is looking for her own home. She loves the couch. plays with toys, likes fetch until she gets distracted. She does not li…
Cedar Valley Pit Bull Rescue • Waterloo, IA
10+ years
Spike
Spike is a senior gentleman, around 14 years young, who is ready to find the perfect quiet and comfortable retirement home. This sweet fella moves at …
Safe Haven of Iowa County • Williamsburg, IA
10+ years
Sophie & Ashlynn
Looking for double the love and double the companionship? Sophie and Ashlynn are a bonded pair of adorable, senior Shih Tzus who are ready to fill you…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
Senior confirmed
Athena
Athena is a young senior, around 9-10 years old. She is a very even-keel dog, past her puppy years and enjoying her golden years. She enjoys a good st…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
Senior confirmed
Porkchop
Porkchop!! This handsome dude is around 7 years old, and 60 pounds of personality! Porkchop is seeking a super stable home, with an experienced dog ow…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
10+ years
Dodger
Dodger is a retired athlete, a former ultra runner and long walk enthusiast, who is ready for a much slower paced life. Looking to take a short stroll…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
Senior confirmed
Dominic
Dominic is a super smart, one of a kind boy with an equally unique look. His beautiful coat is a striking blend of rich browns and blacks, showcasing …
Safe Haven of Iowa County • Williamsburg, IA
10+ years
Porter
Porter is such a wonderfully easy going dog, we just cannot believe that someone hasn't scooped him up yet! He is not a fan of being left alone for lo…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
Senior confirmed
Diesel
Hubba, hubba...check out Diesel! This handsome young guy is on the prowl for a new home. Diesel is a smart and loving dog, he loves to be around peopl…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
Senior confirmed
Lily
Loyal Lily is an energetic happy girl who is looking for a calm home to spend the rest of her days! We think she is a terrier-lab mix, she has a beaut…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Jake
Adult-Only Home Preferred · Bite History · Home without cats · House only / No apartments · Single Dog Home
Furry Friends Refuge • West Des Moines, IA
Senior confirmed
Chino
Bite History · Home without cats · No Young Kids · Single Dog Home
Furry Friends Refuge • West Des Moines, IA
Senior confirmed
Bandit
Adult-Only Home Preferred · Bite History · Lived with other dogs previously
Furry Friends Refuge • West Des Moines, IA
Senior confirmed
Laya
Bite History · Home without cats · House only / No apartments · Single Dog Home
Furry Friends Refuge • West Des Moines, IA
Senior confirmed
Koda 5/09/2026 (Poppy)
German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Iowa • Iowa and surrounding states, IA
Senior confirmed
Togo
Good with Dogs · Adult-Only Home Preferred
German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Iowa • Iowa and surrounding states, IA
Senior confirmed
Wrigley
10/10 The Goodest Dog · Dog Selective · Good with Cats · Goofball · Housetrained · Knows Basic Commands · Wiggle butt · Zoomie pro
Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown • Marshalltown, IA
Senior confirmed
Callie
Housetrained · Good with Cats · Good with Dogs · Good with Kids
Friends of the Animals Shelter • Tipton, IA
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Scout
Good with Dogs · Good with Kids · Housetrained · Not Good with Cats
Animal Welfare Friends • Monticello, IA
10+ years
10+ years
Oscar K
Meet Oscar! Oscar is a charming corgi mix with a big personality and an even bigger heart. He’s an older pup with a young soul—he loves going on walks…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
Senior confirmed
Gus
Hi, I'm Gus, a distinguished older gentleman who has perfected the art of being a professional homebody! I like to spend my days burrowed under the co…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
Senior dogs in Iowa by breed
Senior dogs in Iowa by city
Shelters & rescues with senior dogs in Iowa
These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.
- Last Hope Animal Rescue — Cedar Rapids, Iowa · See Last Hope Animal Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Furry Friends Refuge — West Des Moines, Iowa · See Furry Friends Refuge’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Animal Welfare Friends — Monticello, Iowa · See Animal Welfare Friends’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Iowa — Iowa and surrounding states, Iowa · See German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Iowa’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Safe Haven of Iowa County — South Amana, Iowa · See Safe Haven of Iowa County’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Ames Animal Services — Ames, Iowa · See Ames Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown — Marshalltown, Iowa · See Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Cedar Valley Pit Bull Rescue — Waterloo, Iowa · See Cedar Valley Pit Bull Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Friends of the Animals Shelter — Tipton, Iowa · See Friends of the Animals Shelter’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
Senior dogs in other states
Adopting a senior dog in Iowa — 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 Iowa?
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 Iowa?
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 Iowa?
Yes. Most shelters and rescues in Iowa welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport within Iowa 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 Iowa?
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 Iowa instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues in Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.