Senior confirmed
Neville
MEET NEVILLE! Affectionately known as Me Nevie! This handsome 8-year-old pug is a laid-back gentleman looking for a forever home where he can enjoy th…
Pug Rescue of New England • Millis, MA
Senior dogs in Massachusetts
Senior dogs for adoption in Massachusetts
Meet 71 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 71 below.
Last updated October 18, 2026 at 10:47 AM 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 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.
19 shelters and rescues in Massachusetts currently list senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance.
How adoption works in Massachusetts
Massachusetts listings come mostly from rescue groups, with a good number posted from around Amherst, Oak Bluffs and Boston. Rescue adoptions here usually start with an application and a conversation, and the dog is often in a foster home. Municipal shelters and humane societies list as well, generally with walk-in hours where you can meet dogs without an appointment.
Find a dog, open the profile and reach the organization that listed it. Expect an application or a conversation, a meet and greet, and an adoption fee the organization sets, which often covers spay or neuter and vaccinations. Since listings cluster in a few places, many groups help arrange transport within the state. Turn to the organization on the dog's profile for that dog's history, requirements and availability.
Available senior dogs in Massachusetts
71 senior dogs available in Massachusetts.
Senior confirmed
Tessa
Meet Tessa! A happy-go-lucky almost seven-year-old Shepherd/Rottweiler mix currently in Long Beach, CA, whose playful spirit and goofy charm come wrap…
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
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
10+ years
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
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 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
Woody
Meet Woody! A lovable seven-and-a-half-year-old Beagle/American Staffordshire Terrier mix currently in Brooklyn, NY, whose golden and white coat is ma…
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
Lucy
Meet Lucy! A tenderhearted almost seven-year-old Chihuahua currently in Long Beach, CA, whose gentle spirit comes wrapped in a golden coat with sweet …
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
10+ years
Zoe
Meet Zoe! A spirited almost eleven-year-old Australian Cattle Dog currently in Jonestown, PA, whose personality is a whirlwind of loyalty, energy, and…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
10+ years
Pongo
Meet Pongo! A sweet and intelligent ten-year-old Border Collie mix currently in Burns, TN, whose beautiful black-and-white coat and loving personality…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Senior confirmed
Koa
Meet Koa! A spirited seven-and-a-half-year-old Black and Tan Coonhound mix currently in Temecula, CA, whose presence is a lively blend of soulful howl…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
10+ years
Oliver
Meet Oliver! A spirited ten-year-old Maltipoo currently in Gilbertsville, PA, whose essence is a clever little character wrapped in a fluffy white coa…
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
10+ years
Oreo
Meet Oreo! A spirited eleven-year-old Terrier mix currently in Madison Heights, MI, whose affectionate personality shines through his black-and-white …
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
10+ years
Cedrik
Meet Cedrik! A sweet eleven-and-a-half-year-old Miniature Goldendoodle currently in Gilbertsville, PA, whose essence is a gentle blend of devotion, pl…
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
Senior confirmed
Mochi
Meet Mochi! A spirited nine-and-a-half-year-old Golden Retriever currently in Monson, MA, whose essence is an athletic burst of enthusiasm wrapped in …
Joyful Pets Animal Rescue • Amherst, MA
Senior confirmed
Olive
Meet Olive! Her favorite things are sniffy walks, treats, and playing with a frisbee or ball. Olive is a bit reserved at first, but warms up quickly a…
MSPCA - Cape Cod Animal Care and Adoption Center • Centerville, MA
Senior confirmed
Figgy
Meet Figgy 9-year-old Figgy is searching for his forever soulmate—someone who will truly appreciate all he has to offer and give him the love and care…
Pug Rescue of New England • Millis, MA
Updated recently
Lily
Animal Rescue League of Boston - Pine Ridge Animal Shelter • Dedham, MA
Senior confirmed
Coco
Meet Coco and Lily! This dynamic duo would love to find a cozy new home together! Coco is a 9 year old yorkie mix and LIly is a 7 year old yorkie mix.…
Animal Rescue League of Boston - Pine Ridge Animal Shelter • Dedham, MA
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Miriah
Forever Home Rescue New England • Medfield, MA
Senior confirmed
Bo
Shaggy Dog Rescue - RI/MA transport • Canton, MA
Senior confirmed
Lucia
Meet Lucia! 🐾 Lucia is a sweet 7-year-old Shih Tzu whose world changed suddenly when her devoted owner passed away unexpectedly. Lucia and her housem…
Sandy Paws Rescue • Oak Bluffs, MA
Senior confirmed
Guinness
🐾 Meet Guinness 🖤 At 9 years old, Guinness may technically be a senior, but apparently no one has bothered to tell him. 😂 This handsome German Shep…
Sandy Paws Rescue • Oak Bluffs, MA
Senior confirmed
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 (opens in a new tab) — Amherst, Massachusetts · See Joyful Pets Animal Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Crops and Flops Rescue, Inc. (opens in a new tab) — Westminster, Massachusetts · See Crops and Flops Rescue, Inc.’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- MSPCA - Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center (opens in a new tab) — Boston, Massachusetts · See MSPCA - Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Paw-Affection Dachshund Rescue, Inc. (opens in a new tab) — Taunton, Massachusetts · See Paw-Affection Dachshund Rescue, Inc.’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Pug Rescue of New England (opens in a new tab) — Millis, Massachusetts · See Pug Rescue of New England’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Animal Rescue League of Boston - Pine Ridge Animal Shelter (opens in a new tab) — Dedham, Massachusetts · See Animal Rescue League of Boston - Pine Ridge Animal Shelter’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Forever Home Rescue New England (opens in a new tab) — Medfield, Massachusetts · See Forever Home Rescue New England’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Sandy Paws Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Falmouth, Massachusetts · See Sandy Paws Rescue’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
- Dakin Humane Society (opens in a new tab) — Springfield, Massachusetts · See Dakin Humane Society’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Joyful Pets (opens in a new tab) · See Joyful Pets’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Animal Rescue League of Boston - Headquarters (opens in a new tab) — Boston, Massachusetts · See Animal Rescue League of Boston - Headquarters’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- As Sweet As A Peach Animal Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Framingham, Massachusetts · See As Sweet As A Peach Animal Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- BnR's Rock n' Rescue — North Reading, Massachusetts · See BnR's Rock n' Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- MSPCA - Cape Cod Animal Care and Adoption Center (opens in a new tab) — Centerville, Massachusetts · See MSPCA - Cape Cod Animal Care and Adoption Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- PittieLove Rescue, Inc. (opens in a new tab) — Framingham, Massachusetts · See PittieLove Rescue, Inc.’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
- Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center (opens in a new tab) — Springfield, Massachusetts · See Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
Low-cost spay, neuter and vet care in Massachusetts
Programs that help Massachusetts adopters keep a dog healthy on a budget. Each page was checked on 2026-09-10; confirm current hours and eligibility with the organization.
- Spay / neuterMSPCA-Angell Spay and Neuter Services (opens in a new tab) (statewide) — Overview of MSPCA spay and neuter programs across Massachusetts, including subsidized options for qualifying owners.
- Spay / neuterMassachusetts Animal Coalition Low Cost Services (opens in a new tab) (statewide) — Searchable directory of low-cost spay, neuter and vaccine clinics and assistance programs across Massachusetts.
- Spay / neuterWorcester Animal Rescue League Spay and Neuter (opens in a new tab) — Low-cost cat spay and neuter for Worcester residents and public assistance recipients through an MSPCA partnership.
- Help paying for careMSPCA-Angell Pet Care Assistance (opens in a new tab) (statewide) — Financial assistance for veterinary care for low-income pet owners treated at MSPCA-Angell facilities.
- Low-cost vet careAnimal Rescue League of Boston Community Veterinary Services (opens in a new tab) — Mobile and clinic-based low-cost spay, neuter and wellness care for Boston, Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod.
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.
Guides to help you decide
Getting started
Why Adopt a Senior Dog? 7 Reasons Older Dogs Make Wonderful Companions
Senior dogs are often calm, house-trained, and overlooked at shelters. Here are seven honest reasons an older dog may be the best companion you ever bring home.
6 min readUnderstanding ageHow Old Is a "Senior" Dog? Senior Age by Breed and Size
A dog is not "old" at the same age across the board — size and breed change everything. Here is how to tell when a dog becomes a senior, and what it means for care.
5 min readCare & healthCaring for a Senior Dog: Health, Diet, and Everyday Comfort
How to keep an older dog healthy and comfortable — vet care, senior-appropriate diet, joint and dental health, exercise, and simple home adjustments that make a big difference.
8 min readKnow a senior dog in Massachusetts who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.