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 72 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 31–60 of 72 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 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
MINTY
Minty's big dream is to one day become a professional opera singer, and she's passionate about sticking to her practice regimen. While this doesn't ma…
Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center • Springfield, MA
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
LILLY
Meet Lilly! This sweet and silly girl loves nothing more than a long walk smelling the flowers. After her leisurely adventures, she's down to chill! L…
MSPCA - Cape Cod Animal Care and Adoption Center • Centerville, MA
Senior confirmed
Jewel & Bowie (BONDED PAIR)
Meet Bowie and Jewel- The Ultimate Bonded Pair Looking for double the love, double the cuddles, and double the joy? Meet Bowie and Jewel, an absolutel…
Pug Rescue of New England • Somerville, MA
10+ years
Abby
Meet Abby! A gentle eleven-year-old German Shepherd currently in San Bernardino, CA, whose essence is a calm ray of sunshine wrapped in a beautiful bl…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, 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
Senior confirmed
KOBE
Kobe is a sweet older gentleman who is looking for a new home of his own. He enjoys a leisurely stroll where he can take in the smells of the neighbor…
MSPCA - Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center • Boston, 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
DESDAMONA
Meet Desdamona, a smart and active pup looking for her new home. Desdamona is a big foodie, and loves to go on walks to explore the world. She would m…
MSPCA - Cape Cod Animal Care and Adoption Center • Centerville, 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 is not intersted in other dogs, she becomes nervous and avoids ongoing interaction or chooses to ignore others and do her own thing…
Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center • Springfield, MA
10+ years
Cookie
Meet Cookie! A charming ten-year-old Havanese currently in Scottsdale, AZ, whose essence is a gentle burst of affection wrapped in a beautiful white c…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, 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
Brenda from Accounting
Meet Brenda from Accounting! This 7-years young beautiful, bean-counting bulldog mix came to us from a good Samaritan who took her in after her owner …
Crops and Flops Rescue, Inc. • Westminster, MA
10+ years
BamBam
Yabba Dabba Doo…Meet Bam Bam! This 10-years young itty-bitty (yet beefy!) bulldog came to us from local animal control after being picked up as a stra…
Crops and Flops Rescue, Inc. • Westminster, MA
10+ years
Raiya
Meet Raiya! A gentle eleven-year-old Terrier mix currently in Buffalo, NY, whose soulful presence and mostly black coat wrap her in a quiet kind of el…
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
CUERVO
Cuervo is a sensitive soul looking for a special home of his own. He loves to go for walks and make new dog friends outside, but will spend most of hi…
MSPCA - Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center • Boston, 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 • Somerville, MA
Senior confirmed
Patty
Meet Patty! A gentle eight-year-old Labrador Retriever mix currently in Spring, TX, whose warm spirit shines through her chocolate brown coat with sof…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Senior confirmed
PETER
IN FOSTERPeter was a bit underweight and nervous when he first came to TJO but after a good night's sleep and a few days of regular, nutritious meals,…
Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center • Springfield, 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 • Somerville, 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
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
- Crops and Flops Rescue, Inc. — Westminster, Massachusetts · See Crops and Flops 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
- 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
- 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 — Somerville, Massachusetts · See Pug Rescue of New England’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
- Dakin Humane Society — Springfield, Massachusetts · See Dakin Humane Society’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.