10+ years
Nutmeg
Meet Nutmeg! An eleven-year-old Jack Russell Terrier/American Pitbull Terrier mix currently in Chicago, IL, whose essence is a bright spark of devotio…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Senior dogs in Massachusetts
Senior dogs for adoption in Massachusetts
Meet 74 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in Massachusetts. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love. Showing 1–30 of 74 below.
Last updated August 21, 2026 at 1:45 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts
Senior confirmed
MAX
OTHER PETS: Max hasn't seemed to enjoy the company of other dogs very much during his stay at TJO, but he doesn't mind as long as they're just passing…
Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center • Springfield, MA
Senior confirmed
Tofu
Meet Tofu! A thoughtful seven-year-old Australian Cattle Dog currently in Richmond, VA, whose essence is a loyal heart wrapped in a handsome blue mott…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
10+ years
Domino
Meet Domino! A soulful twelve-year-old American Pitbull Terrier currently in Asheville, NC, whose essence is a calming presence wrapped in a handsome …
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Senior confirmed
Lena
Meet Lena! A loving seven-and-a-half-year-old American Pitbull Terrier mix currently in Santa Clarita, CA, whose essence is a warm burst of devotion w…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Senior confirmed
BERTHA
OTHER PETS: Bertha hasn't shown a whole lot of interest in other dogs during her stay here at TJO.. She would much rather ignore other pups and go off…
Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center • Springfield, MA
Senior confirmed
Denim
Meet Denim! An eight-year-old Boxer/German Shepherd mix currently in Fontana, CA, whose essence is a warm ray of sunshine wrapped in a beautiful tan c…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Senior confirmed
Simba
Meet Simba! A goofy eight-year-old Boxer currently in Bellingham, MA, whose essence is a joyful whirlwind wrapped in a handsome brown brindle coat wit…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Senior confirmed
Sophie
Meet Sophie! A spirited eight-and-a-half-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix currently in Bellingham, MA, whose essence is a vibrant burst of joy …
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Senior confirmed
Koa
Meet Koa! A spirited seven-year-old Black and Tan Coonhound mix currently in Temecula, CA, whose presence is a lively blend of soulful howls and bound…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Senior confirmed
Pumpkin Spice
Meet Pumpkin Spice! A gentle nine-and-a-half-year-old Coonhound currently in Pine Valley, CA, whose journey now includes finding a new loving home aft…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
10+ years
Ellie
Meet Ellie! A gentle seventeen-year-old German Shepherd mix currently in Chula Vista, CA, Ellie is open to a loving home anywhere in the U.S. This swe…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
10+ years
Eevee
Meet Eevee! A charming fourteen-year-old Pomeranian/Papillon mix currently in Chula Vista, CA, Eevee is open to a loving home anywhere in the U.S. Wei…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Senior confirmed
Figgy
Meet Figgy (Pending Medical Clearance) 9-year-old Figgy is searching for his forever soulmate—someone who will truly appreciate all he has to offer an…
Pug Rescue of New England • Millis, MA
Senior confirmed
Chance
Meet Chance! A seven-year-old Labrador Retriever/Rottweiler mix (with a few other breeds sprinkled in) currently in Porterville, CA, whose striking ey…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
10+ years
Pretty Girl & Shiner (BONDED PAIR)
Shiner (Momma) & Pretty Girl — A Bonded Senior Pair Looking for a Soft Landing Where are our senior lovers? We are hoping for someone with a true resc…
Pug Rescue of New England • Millis, MA
Senior confirmed
Lucky and Piper
Meet Lucky and Piper! Two loyal boys currently in Ocala, FL, whose bond is a quiet, steady reminder that some friendships are simply meant to last a l…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
10+ years
Eevee and Ellie
Meet Eevee and Ellie! Eevee is a devoted thirteen-year-old Pomeranian/Papillon mix and Ellie is a sixteen-year-old German Shepherd mix. They are curre…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Senior confirmed
Chulo
Meet Chulo! A spirited almost seven-year-old Labrador Retriever/Mastiff/Black Mouth Cur mix currently in Austin, TX, whose essence is a joyful blend o…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Senior confirmed
Moxie
Meet Moxie! A spirited almost nine-year-old Korean Jindo currently in Ashburn, VA, whose quiet strength is matched only by the golden glow of her soft…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Senior confirmed
Boogie
Meet Boogie! A lovable eight-year-old Rottweiler/German Shepherd mix currently living in Redwood City, CA, whose heart is as big as his 83-pound frame…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
At Risk
Baby
Meet Baby! A soulful seven-year-old American Pitbull Terrier/Boxer mix currently living in Menlo Park, CA, whose heart is as big as her brindle-and-wh…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Senior confirmed
Nova
Meet Nova! A spirited nine-and-a-half-year-old Labrador Retriever from Charlotte, NC, whose essence is a radiant beam of affection wrapped in a glossy…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Senior confirmed
Brandy
Meet Brandy! A sweet and snuggly eight-year-old American Pitbull Terrier mix currently in Bridgeport, CT, who’s ready to be the star of her very own h…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Senior confirmed
Harrison
Meet Harrison! A dignified eight-year-old Vizsla in Corte Madera, CA, whose golden rust coat radiates warmth and beauty, just like his heart. Harrison…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Senior confirmed
Percy J
Meet Percy J! A dashing eight-year-old American Pitbull Terrier from Pleasant Garden, NC, whose heart is as warm as his rich brown coat accented with …
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Senior confirmed
Jax
Meet Jax! An eight-year-old Boxer mix from San Mateo, CA, whose tan coat shines almost as brightly as his personality! Weighing in at a solid 70 pound…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Senior confirmed
Klohe and Pebbles
Life has turned out to be very cruel for these beautiful senior girls They are nine years old and 10-12 lbsBlack and white is Pebbles. White and black…
As Sweet As A Peach Animal Rescue Inc • FRAMINGHAM, MA
10+ years
PANCHO
Some dogs are naturally timid or shy, while others may not have learned to trust people while they were young. These dogs need to feel safe before the…
Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center • Springfield, MA
10+ years
KRUEGERE
My friends describe me as: Sweet, gentle, and affectionateMeet Kruegere!!!Kruegere is a very sweet and affectionate dog. He has had a tough hand dealt…
Animal Rescue League of Boston - Cape Cod Branch • Brewster, MA
Senior dogs in Massachusetts by breed
Senior dogs in Massachusetts by city
Shelters & rescues with senior dogs in Massachusetts
These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.
- Joyful Pets Animal Rescue — Amherst, Massachusetts · See Joyful Pets Animal Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- MSPCA - Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center — Boston, Massachusetts · See MSPCA - Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center — Springfield, Massachusetts · See Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- MSPCA - Cape Cod Animal Care and Adoption Center — Centerville, Massachusetts · See MSPCA - Cape Cod Animal Care and Adoption Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Pug Rescue of New England — Millis, Massachusetts · See Pug Rescue of New England’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Crops and Flops Rescue — Westminster, Massachusetts · See Crops and Flops Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Paw-Affection Dachshund Rescue, Inc. — Taunton, Massachusetts · See Paw-Affection Dachshund Rescue, Inc.’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Animal Rescue League of Boston - Headquarters — Boston, Massachusetts · See Animal Rescue League of Boston - Headquarters’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- As Sweet As A Peach Animal Rescue — Framingham, Massachusetts · See As Sweet As A Peach Animal Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Joyful Pets · See Joyful Pets’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Animal Rescue League of Boston - Cape Cod Branch — Brewster, Massachusetts · See Animal Rescue League of Boston - Cape Cod Branch’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Animal Rescue League of Boston - Pine Ridge Animal Shelter — Dedham, Massachusetts · See Animal Rescue League of Boston - Pine Ridge Animal Shelter’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- As Sweet As A Peach Animal Rescue Inc — FRAMINGHAM, Massachusetts · See As Sweet As A Peach Animal Rescue Inc’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Crops and Flops Rescue, Inc. — Westminster, Massachusetts · See Crops and Flops Rescue, Inc.’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Dakin Humane Society — Springfield, Massachusetts · See Dakin Humane Society’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Forever Home Rescue New England — Medfield, Massachusetts · See Forever Home Rescue New England’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Shaggy Dog Rescue - RI/MA transport — Mansfield, Massachusetts · See Shaggy Dog Rescue - RI/MA transport’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Sunny Paws Rescue — EAST FALMOUTH, Massachusetts · See Sunny Paws Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
Senior dogs in other states
Adopting a senior dog in Massachusetts — 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 Massachusetts?
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 Massachusetts?
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 Massachusetts?
Yes. Most shelters and rescues in Massachusetts welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport within Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
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 Massachusetts instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.