Senior confirmed
Poppy
Poppy is a great all around family dog and one who you will be proud to call "Our girl." Her foster says "She is a total sweetheart", and she gave us …
Reach Out Rescue & Resources • Westminster, MD
Senior dogs in Maryland
Senior dogs for adoption in Maryland
Meet 213 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 213 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 Maryland 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 Maryland include Pit Bull Terrier, Mixed Breed, and Chihuahua, spread across 21 cities and 33 shelters and rescues. Always confirm availability and adoption requirements directly with the shelter or rescue.
33 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
213 senior dogs available in Maryland.
Senior confirmed
Athena
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
Sasha
Meet Sasha she is new here so we are still getting to know her, please check back soon. Come down to BARCS and meet Sasha!
BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter) • Baltimore, MD
Senior confirmed
Diamond
Miri's Haven Senior Dog Rescue • Rockville, MD
10+ years
Maple
Miri's Haven Senior Dog Rescue • Rockville, MD
Senior confirmed
Elroy **Tripod
Operation Paws for Homes - Frederick, MD Transport • Frederick, MD
Senior confirmed
Enzo (Scar)
BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter) • Baltimore, MD
Senior confirmed
Fritz3 (Bonded with Louie4) In North Carolina
Fritz Bio Please ensure you understand and can meet the needs of this dog before applying. Energy level: high Potty training: trained Fenced yard: req…
Little Paws Dachshund Rescue • Brookfield, MD
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Funeral Potatoes
Built like a potato, rides in style, and ready for retirement adventures. Meet Funeral Potatoes, a 12-year-old Chihuahua with a name almost as memorab…
Humane Society of Kent County Maryland Inc. • Chestertown, MD
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Layla
Personality: Calm / Active / Independent / Shy / Sensitive / CuriousEnergy Level: ModeratePeople: Warms up with time/ Shy with new people Dogs: Not ev…
Humane Society of Carroll County, Inc. • Westminster, MD
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Nala
Name: NalaAge: 8 yearsSex: FemaleSpayed/Neutered: YesBreed: Pit MixWeight: Unknown Size: UnknownPersonality: Affectionate / Playful / Active / Goofy /…
Humane Society of Carroll County, Inc. • Westminster, MD
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Jojo
Meet Jojo (A568330)! ?? A 7 year old, male, 63lb American Bulldog. A big boy with an even bigger heart! ??At his age he still has plenty of energy lef…
Prince Georges County Animal Management Division • Forestville, MD
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Daisy
Those Yoda ears! That sweet little old-lady face! That adorable prance! Daisy is a 9-year-old sweetheart with a big heart, a soft spot for snacks, and…
Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center • Derwood, MD
10+ years
Senior confirmed
BO
Looking for a loyal best friend who will adore you with his whole heart? Meet Bo!! This sweet boy is full of personality, affection, and so much poten…
Prince Georges County Animal Management Division • Forestville, MD
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Caesar
Courtesy Post: Help Caesar Find His Kingdom. Contact Mary Shell at 443-480-5328. Caesar is an 8-year-old, 100-pound Pit Bull with a big blocky head, a…
Adopt A Homeless Animal Rescue • Baltimore, MD
10+ years
Sonny
Size: Medium Personality: Friendly / Playful / Sensitive / Curious Energy Level: Low - Moderate People: Social with new people Dogs: Enjoys appropriat…
Humane Society of Carroll County, Inc. • Westminster, 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.
- Prince Georges County Animal Management Division (opens in a new tab) — Forestville, Maryland · See Prince Georges County Animal Management Division’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (opens in a new tab) — Derwood, Maryland · See Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- SPCA of Anne Arundel County (opens in a new tab) — Annapolis, Maryland · See SPCA of Anne Arundel County’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- God's Dog's Rescue of TX for MD Transport stop — Baltimore, Maryland · See God's Dog's Rescue of TX for MD Transport stop’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Miri's Haven Senior Dog Rescue — Rockville, Maryland · See Miri's Haven Senior Dog Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Operation Paws for Homes - Frederick, MD Transport — Frederick, Maryland · See Operation Paws for Homes - Frederick, MD Transport’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Knine Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Maryland, Maryland · See Knine Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Reed's Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Maryland, Maryland · See Reed's Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Reach Out Rescue & Resources (opens in a new tab) — Westminster, Maryland · See Reach Out Rescue & Resources’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- PetConnect Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Potomac, Maryland · See PetConnect Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter) (opens in a new tab) — Baltimore, Maryland · See BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter)’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Little Paws Dachshund Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Brookfield, Maryland · See Little Paws Dachshund Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Rescue Well Incorporated (opens in a new tab) — Columbia, Maryland · See Rescue Well Incorporated’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Humane Society of Carroll County, Inc. — Westminster, Maryland · See Humane Society of Carroll County, Inc.’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Adopt A Homeless Animal Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Baltimore, Maryland · See Adopt A Homeless Animal Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Humane Society of Kent County Maryland Inc. (opens in a new tab) — Chestertown, Maryland · See Humane Society of Kent County Maryland Inc.’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Maryland SPCA (opens in a new tab) — Baltimore, Maryland · See Maryland SPCA’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- ahomeoftheirownrescue.org (opens in a new tab) — Silver Spring, Maryland · See ahomeoftheirownrescue.org’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- All Shepherd Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Baltimore, Maryland · See All Shepherd Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Eskie Rescuers United, American Eskimo Dog Rescue, Inc. (opens in a new tab) — Pikesville, Maryland · See Eskie Rescuers United, American Eskimo Dog Rescue, Inc.’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Key to Lion's Heart Rescue — Derwood, Maryland · See Key to Lion's Heart Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Pet Rescue of Maryland (opens in a new tab) — Monkton, Maryland · See Pet Rescue of Maryland’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Saint Bernard Rescue Group — Westminster, Maryland · See Saint Bernard Rescue Group’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Talbot Humane (opens in a new tab) — Easton, Maryland · See Talbot Humane’s senior dogs 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.
- Spay / neuterMaryland Department of Agriculture Spay and Neuter Services for Owned Pets (opens in a new tab) (statewide) — State list of grant-funded free or low-cost spay and neuter projects for low-income pet owners by county.
- Spay / neuterMaryland SPCA Spay/Neuter Clinic (opens in a new tab) — Low-cost spay and neuter surgery with vaccines, mainly for Baltimore City and Baltimore County residents.
- Spay / neuterHART for Animals LifeSaver No-Cost Spay/Neuter Program (opens in a new tab) — State grant-funded spay, neuter and rabies vaccination at no cost for income-qualified Maryland pet owners.
- Help paying for careMontgomery County Animal Services Financial Resources (opens in a new tab) — County page listing pet food help, spay and neuter programs and veterinary financial aid for residents.
Senior dogs in other states
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.
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 Maryland who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.