Senior dogs in Maryland

Senior dogs for adoption in Maryland

Meet 133 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in Maryland. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love. Showing 1–30 of 133 below.

Last updated September 24, 2026 at 2:23 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 Maryland 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.

26 shelters and rescues in Maryland currently list senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance.

How adoption works in Maryland

Maryland's mid-sized flow of listings comes mostly from rescue groups, many posted from around Forestville, Derwood and Baltimore. That means an application and a conversation usually come first, and the dog is often living in a foster home. Municipal shelters also list here, and they tend to keep walk-in hours where you can meet dogs the same day.

Reach out through the profile to the organization holding the dog. Count on an application or a conversation, a meet and greet, and an adoption fee set by that organization, which often includes spay or neuter and vaccinations. Listings cluster in a few communities, and many groups help arrange transport within Maryland for the right match. The organization on the dog's profile is where that dog's history, requirements and availability live.

Available senior dogs in Maryland

133 senior dogs available in Maryland.

Senior confirmed
Photo of Rosa, adoptable senior Rottweiler in Westminster, Maryland

Rosa

Rottweiler • Female • 8 years

NOTE- ROSA IS LISTED AS A COURTESY FOR ANOTHER RESCUE ORGANIZATION. PLEASE SEE CONTACT INFO BELOW. Rosa is a mature adult Rotteweiler who may be 7-9 y…

Reach Out Rescue & Resources • Westminster, MD

Senior confirmed
Photo of Rocky, adoptable senior Dachshund in Forestville, Maryland

Rocky

Dachshund • Male • Small • 9 years

Meet Rocky, a sweet 9 year old little short stack who is ready for a new chapter. Rocky came to the shelter on September 17 after losing the home and …

Prince Georges County Animal Management Division • Forestville, MD

Senior confirmed
Photo of Jelly, adoptable senior Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie in Forestville, Maryland

Jelly

Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie • Male • Small • 7 years

Jelly | A574551 | 7 years old | 18 lbsMeet Jelly, a sweet senior boy who is ready to find a loving place to call home. Jelly’s owners could no longer …

Prince Georges County Animal Management Division • Forestville, MD

10+ years
Photo of Duke, adoptable senior Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie in Forestville, Maryland

Duke

Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie • Male • Small • 12 years

Prince Georges County Animal Management Division • Forestville, MD

10+ years
Photo of Losty, adoptable senior Chihuahua in Forestville, Maryland

Losty

Chihuahua • Female • Medium • 10 years

Prince Georges County Animal Management Division • Forestville, MD

Senior confirmed
Photo of Frosty, adoptable senior Chihuahua in Forestville, Maryland

Frosty

Chihuahua • Female • Small • 8 years

Prince Georges County Animal Management Division • Forestville, MD

Updated recently
Photo of Casper, adoptable senior Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Pikesville, Maryland

Casper

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler • Senior

Casper has come back in to rescue after 12 years as his owner is no longer able to care for him. He seems to like men more than woman however he does …

Eskie Rescuers United, American Eskimo Dog Rescue, Inc. • Pikesville, MD

Senior confirmed
Photo of Athena, adoptable senior German Shepherd Dog in Baltimore, Maryland

Athena

German Shepherd Dog • Female • Large • 7 years

Athena is a very sweet, gentle, happy, and cuddly 7-year-old German shepherd who is great with kids and dogs. Due to a divorce, there is no one home t…

All Shepherd Rescue • Baltimore, MD

10+ years
Photo of Sasha, adoptable senior American Pit Bull Terrier in Derwood, Maryland

Sasha

American Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Large • 10 years

Meet Sasha A Gentle Soul Looking for a Soft Place to LandSasha is the kind of dog who quietly works her way into your heart. During her time in foster…

Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center • Derwood, MD

Senior confirmed
Photo of Cutie, adoptable senior Blue Lacy in Derwood, Maryland

Cutie

Blue Lacy • Female • Large • 8 years

Cutie is a low-key, gentle soul with the sweetest personality. She adores people of all ages—especially children—and lights up whenever visitors stop …

Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center • Derwood, MD

Senior confirmed
Photo of Rayna, adoptable senior American Bulldog in Rockville, Maryland

Rayna

American Bulldog • Female • Large • 9 years

RAYNA (watch my video!) Female, spayed ~9 years old Pit Bull Terrier 80 lbs. Microchipped, up-to-date on core vaccines and takes monthly flea/tick/hea…

LOVEPAWS • Rockville, MD

Senior confirmed
Photo of Ziggy, adoptable senior Labrador Retriever in Baltimore, Maryland

Ziggy

Labrador Retriever • Male • Medium • 7 years

Courtesy post: Meet Ziggy Ziggy is a handsome 7-year-old, 50-pound sweetheart looking for a patient, understanding family to give him the peaceful lif…

Adopt A Homeless Animal Rescue • Baltimore, MD

Senior confirmed
Photo of Coco, adoptable senior American Pit Bull Terrier in Derwood, Maryland

Coco

American Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Medium • 8 years

Looking for a best friend who just wants to be by your side? Meet Coco—a sweet, affectionate girl with a heart as warm as a mug of hot cocoa with a do…

Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center • Derwood, MD

10+ years
Photo of Netta, adoptable senior Boxer in Derwood, Maryland

Netta

Boxer • Female • Medium • 12 years

Meet Netta, a sweet and low-maintenance companion who knows the value of a good nap and a belly rub! She’s fully housetrained, sleeps soundly through …

Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center • Derwood, MD

Senior confirmed
Photo of Maggie, adoptable senior Boxer in Derwood, Maryland

Maggie

Boxer • Female • Large • 7 years

Maggie loves everything as long as she’s with someone. She loves people! Her cuddling and affection makes her very special. If Maggie was an object sh…

Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center • Derwood, MD

Senior confirmed
Photo of Jaida, adoptable senior American Pit Bull Terrier in Derwood, Maryland

Jaida

American Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Medium • 8 years

Meet Jaida! After eight years of being a loyal best friend, Jaida found herself at the shelter—and now she’s ready for her next chapter. She’s a littl…

Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center • Derwood, MD

Senior confirmed
Photo of Nina, adoptable senior American Pit Bull Terrier in Derwood, Maryland

Nina

American Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Medium • 8 years

Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center • Derwood, MD

Senior dogs in Maryland by breed

Senior dogs in Maryland by city

Shelters & rescues with senior dogs in Maryland

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

Low-cost spay, neuter and vet care in Maryland

Programs that help Maryland 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

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Adopting a senior dog in Maryland — 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 Maryland?

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 Maryland?

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 Maryland?

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

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 Maryland instead of adopting?

Many shelters and rescues in Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland who needs a home?

Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.