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 121–133 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.

10+ years
Photo of Little Ann, adoptable senior Jack Russell Terrier in Westminster, Maryland

Little Ann

Jack Russell Terrier • Female • 10 years

NOTE- ANN IS LISTED AS A COURTESY FOR ANOTHER RESCUE ORGANIZATION. PLEASE SEE CONTACT INFO BELOW. Valley View Animal Rescue email: amybennettwashburn@…

Reach Out Rescue & Resources • Westminster, MD

10+ years
Photo of Lexi, adoptable senior Labrador Retriever in Westminster, Maryland

Lexi

Labrador Retriever • Female • 12 years

NOTE- LEXI IS LISTED AS A COURTESY FOR AN INDIVIDUAL ASKING TO REHOME THEIR DOG. PLEASE SEE CONTACT INFO BELOW. From Lexi's person: "Lexi is a love bu…

Reach Out Rescue & Resources • Westminster, MD

Senior confirmed
Photo of Lacey, adoptable senior dog in Baltimore, Maryland

Lacey

Female • 7 years

Wanted: to meet my furever family. Are you looking to open your home to a new pet? Learn more about this pet and others near you looking to find their…

BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter) • Baltimore, MD

Senior confirmed
Photo of Kimbra, adoptable senior Chocolate Labrador Retriever in Westminster, Maryland

Kimbra

Chocolate Labrador Retriever • Female • 7 years

NOTE- KIMBRA IS LISTED AS A COURTESY FOR AN INDIVIDUAL ASKING TO REHOME THEIR DOG. PLEASE SEE CONTACT INFO BELOW.Here's what the humans have to say ab…

Reach Out Rescue & Resources • Westminster, MD

Senior confirmed
Photo of Solomon, adoptable senior Chihuahua in Westminster, Maryland

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
Photo of Margret, adoptable senior German Shepherd Dog in Baltimore, Maryland

Margret

German Shepherd Dog • Female • Large • 9 years

CONGRATULATIONS MARGRET ON YOUR ADOPTION! We are incredibly happy for you and wish you and your new family many happy years together ! Meet Margret — …

All Shepherd Rescue • Baltimore, MD

10+ years
Photo of Radar, adoptable senior Jack Russell Terrier in Westminster, Maryland

Radar

Jack Russell Terrier • Male • 12 years

NOTE- RADAR IS LISTED AS A COURTESY FOR ANOTHER RESCUE ORGANIZATION. PLEASE SEE CONTACT INFO BELOW. Radar is a 12-year-old Jack Russell ready for his …

Reach Out Rescue & Resources • 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.

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

All statesBrowse by breed

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.