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 121–150 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.
Low Energy · Housetrained · Fixed · Good with larger dogs · Good with Kids · Not Good with Cats · capable of climbing stairs. · Food motivated · Loves…
Low Energy · Fixed · Good with larger dogs · Good with Kids · Food motivated · Housetrained · Loves car rides · Loves to snuggle · Not Good with Cats …
American Staffordshire Terrier • ♀ Female • 7 years
NOTE- HOLLY IS LISTED AS A COURTESY FOR ANOTHER RESCUE ORGANIZATION. PLEASE SEE CONTACT INFO BELOW.Contact Dee at k9rescueva@gmail.com Holly - radar e…
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.
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.