Senior dogs in Maryland

Senior dogs for adoption in Maryland

Meet 136 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 121–136 of 136 below.

Last updated July 12, 2026 at 9:30 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 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.

Available senior dogs in Maryland

Senior confirmed
RUSTY (BONDED w/TANK), adoptable senior Unknown breed in Columbia, MD

RUSTY (BONDED w/TANK)

Unknown breed • ♂ Male • 9 years

Rusty is bonded with Tank, is 10yo, weighs 50-60lbs, is neutered, is up to date on his vaccines, and is microchipped. Rusty has free roam of the house…

Rescue Well Incorporated • Columbia, MD

Senior confirmed
TANK (BONDED w/RUSTY), adoptable senior Shiba Inu in Columbia, MD

TANK (BONDED w/RUSTY)

Shiba Inu • ♂ Male • 9 years

Tank is bonded with Rusty, 10yo, weighs 50-60lbs, is neutered, is up to date on his vaccines, and is microchipped. Tank has free roam of the house dur…

Rescue Well Incorporated • Columbia, MD

Senior confirmed
RANDY, adoptable senior Unknown breed in Columbia, MD

RANDY

Unknown breed • ♂ Male • 8 years

Randy is 9yo, weighs 115lbs, is neutered, is up to date on his vaccines, and is microchipped. Randy is 'friendly and overal low maintenance. He has fr…

Rescue Well Incorporated • Columbia, MD

10+ years
CAP, adoptable senior Labrador Retriever in Columbia, MD

CAP

Labrador Retriever • ♀ Female • 11 years

Cap (originally Cap'n - Captain), is 10-12yo, weighs 65lbs, is spayed, is up to date on her vaccines, and is microchipped. She knows 'sit', 'stay', an…

Rescue Well Incorporated • Columbia, MD

Senior confirmed
Josh, adoptable senior American Pit Bull Terrier in Baltimore, MD

Josh

American Pit Bull Terrier • ♂ Male • Medium • 7 years

Dear Future Family, Hi… my name is Josh. I’m a 7 year old, 77 pounds of lovable squish, soulful brown eyes, and what my foster says is “the happiest w…

Adopt A Homeless Animal Rescue • Baltimore, MD

Senior confirmed
RIBEYE, adoptable senior Pit Bull Terrier in Columbia, MD

RIBEYE

Pit Bull Terrier • ♀ Female • 9 years

Ribeye is 10yo, weighs 67lbs, is spayed, is up to date on her vaccines, and is microchipped. Ribeye is very loyal and does very well during car rides.…

Rescue Well Incorporated • Columbia, MD

Senior confirmed
Cass, adoptable senior American Pit Bull Terrier in Sykesville, MD

Cass

American Pit Bull Terrier • ♀ Female • Large • 7 years

HI! I'M CASS! I am full of SASS and have even been called CASStastic! I'm a 7 year old, 64 lb, spayed pit bull mix who enjoys the finer things in life…

Tara's House Animal Rescue, Inc. • Sykesville, MD

Senior confirmed
ARYA, adoptable senior Labrador Retriever in Columbia, MD

ARYA

Labrador Retriever • ♀ Female • 7 years

Arya is a lab/boxer/pit mix, is 8yo, weighs 50lbs, is spayed, is up to date on her vaccines, and is microchipped. Arya's guardians offers: "Arya is ex…

Rescue Well Incorporated • Columbia, MD

Senior confirmed
Solomon, adoptable senior Chihuahua in Westminster, MD

Solomon

Chihuahua • ♂ Male • 9 years

NOTE- SOLOMON IS LISTED AS A COURTESY FOR AN INDIVIDUAL ASKING TO REHOME THEIR DOG. Solomon is a min pin and chihuahua mix I believe, and he loves to …

Reach Out Rescue & Resources • Westminster, MD

Senior confirmed
Rosa, adoptable senior Rottweiler in Westminster, MD

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
Poppy, adoptable senior Labrador Retriever in Westminster, MD

Poppy

Labrador Retriever • ♀ Female • Medium • 7 years

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 confirmed
Princess, adoptable senior Chihuahua in Monkton, MD

Princess

Chihuahua • ♀ Female • Small • 9 years

My name is Princess. I'm a little shy around strangers, but will warm up after I get to know you. I'm bonded to my brother Chato and need to be adopte…

Pet Rescue of Maryland • Monkton, MD

Senior confirmed
Chato, adoptable senior Chihuahua in Monkton, MD

Chato

Chihuahua • ♂ Male • Small • 9 years

My name is Chato. I'm a little shy around strangers, but will warm up after I get to know you. Because I'm bonded to my sister, Princess and would lik…

Pet Rescue of Maryland • Monkton, MD

Senior confirmed
Max, adoptable senior Poodle (Miniature) in Berlin, MD

Max

Poodle (Miniature) • ♂ Male • Small • 9 years

Looking for a gentle, loving little buddy to share your days? Meet Max, a 10-year-old poodle mix with a heart full of sweetness and just the right amo…

Kindness Matters Rescue Inc • Berlin, 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.

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.