10+ years
Dilly Bar D64939
Sight impaired · Good with Dogs · Good with Cats · Housetrained · Timid / Shy · Good with older, considerate children · Tries to escape
The Bond Between • Minnesota, MN
Senior dogs in Minnesota
Senior dogs for adoption in Minnesota
Meet 125 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in Minnesota. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love. Showing 61–90 of 125 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota currently list senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance.
How adoption works in Minnesota
Minnesota's listings come mainly from rescue groups, with most posted from around Buffalo, Princeton and St. Louis Park. A rescue adoption usually begins with an application and a conversation, and the dog is often living with a foster family. Municipal shelters and humane societies list here as well, with walk-in hours where you can meet dogs the same day.
Found one? Open the profile and contact the organization holding the dog. Budget for an application or a conversation, a meet and greet, and an adoption fee set by that organization, which often covers spay or neuter and vaccinations. As listings cluster in a few communities, many groups help arrange transport within Minnesota. Details on that dog's history, requirements and availability come from the organization on the profile.
Available senior dogs in Minnesota
125 senior dogs available in Minnesota.
10+ years
Yoko D17184
Sight impaired · Good with Dogs · Timid / Shy · Housetrained · Good with older, considerate children
The Bond Between • Minnesota, MN
Senior confirmed
Bobbi Jo
Looking for a sweet, affectionate companion? Meet Bobbi Jo! This lovely girl adores everyone and wants to be your best friend. With a heart of gold an…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton, MN
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Henna D12826
Good with Dogs · Housetrained · Good with older, considerate children · Energy level low · Affectionate · Gentle · Leash Trained
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton area, MN
10+ years
Izzy D12814
Affectionate · Good with Dogs · Good with Cats · Good with Kids · Adventurous · Does well in a car · Energy level low · Gentle · Goofy · Leash Trained…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton area, MN
10+ years
Riley D12723
Gentle · Seniors for Seniors · Crate Trained · Good with older, considerate children · Timid / Shy
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton area, MN
10+ years
Tobias D12961
Housetrained · Gentle · Leash Trained · Good with Dogs · Energy level low · Does well in a car · Affectionate · Goofy · Good with older, considerate c…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton area, MN
Senior confirmed
Maximo D12681
Good with Dogs · Needs companion animal · Timid / Shy · Energy level low · Adventurous · Affectionate · Does well in a car · Goofy · Lap pet · Good wi…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton area, MN
Senior confirmed
Waffle D12669
Adult-Only Home Preferred · Energy level low · Crate Trained · Does well in a car · Housetrained · Intelligent · Lap pet · Playful
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton area, MN
Senior confirmed
Bear D12582
Good with Dogs · Good with Cats · Good with Kids · Timid / Shy · Seniors for Seniors · Housetrained · Energy level moderate · Affectionate · Does well…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton area, MN
10+ years
Bonnie D12475
Gentle · Good with Cats · Good with Dogs · Good with older, considerate children · Needs companion animal · Timid / Shy · Energy level low · Crate Tra…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton area, MN
Senior confirmed
Pound Cake D11525
Does well in a car · Affectionate · Lap pet · Leash Trained · Good with Dogs · Gentle · Goofy · No shared walls · Foster Needed · Likes toys · Playful
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton area, MN
Senior confirmed
Chandler
Location: Minnesota · Energy level high · Good with Cats · Good with Kids · Affectionate · Goofy · Intelligent · Snuggler · Kennel Trained · Single Do…
Rescue Network • Buffalo, MN
Senior confirmed
Bodie
Affectionate · Snuggler · Location: Minnesota · Intelligent · Housetrained · Kennel Trained · Good with Dogs · Energy level low · Couch potato · Adult…
Rescue Network • Buffalo, MN
Senior confirmed
Dozer
Location: Minnesota · Couch potato · Energy level low · Good with Kids · Good with Dogs · Good with Cats · Housetrained · Kennel Trained · Affectionat…
Rescue Network • Buffalo, MN
Senior confirmed
Pepper
Affectionate · Couch potato · Snuggler · Adult-Only Home Preferred · Energy level medium · Good with Dogs · Goofy · Housetrained · Likes toys · Locati…
Rescue Network • Buffalo, MN
10+ years
Babe
Affectionate · Cuddle bug · Couch stealer · Goofy · Low to Medium Energy · Playful · Seems Kennel or Potty Trained · Single Dog Home
Wadena County Humane Society • Wadena, MN
Senior confirmed
Otis
Affectionate · Couch stealer · Cuddle bug · Energetic · Friendly to family · Goofy · Playful · Seems Kennel or Potty Trained
Wadena County Humane Society • Wadena, MN
Senior confirmed
Bernard
Bernard is a wonderfully sweet and expressive Shar-Pei x Pug who has finally learned how to be a dog, and he’s loving every minute of it. This big sof…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
Senior confirmed
Wren
Foster Home Needed* Poor Wren has gone through some big challenges in life. She was adopted as a puppy and has lived with another dog. Earlier in life…
Redemption Road Rescue • Crystal, MN
Senior confirmed
Thumper
Sweet Thumper's mom made the very difficult decision to surrender her to rescue as taking care of her has become difficult for her. Thumper will be go…
Across America Boxer Rescue • Burnsville, MN
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Shadoe D12813
Affectionate · Good with Cats · Good with Dogs · Good with older, considerate children · Housetrained · Energy level moderate · Crate Trained · Does w…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton area, MN
10+ years
Vernon *Arriving 10/24* D12761
Available for Foster to Adopt · Foster Needed · Affectionate · Energy level low · Gentle · Good with Dogs · Good with older, considerate children · Ho…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton area, MN
10+ years
Cora *Arriving 10/24* D12760
Available for Foster to Adopt · Foster Needed · Affectionate · Crate Trained · Energy level low · Gentle · Good with Dogs · Good with older, considera…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton area, MN
Senior confirmed
Bella
Bella is approximately eight years old (maybe younger) and is likely a Labrador mix. She listens well, does amazing with a two year old son, (in the a…
Redemption Road Rescue • Crystal, MN
Updated recently
Chelsea *Help I need a foster home!* Sweet Senior
Chelsea is a sweet Beagle mix, that is an older gal, about 12-12.5 years old. She had lived with a family with kids for eight years but the family com…
Redemption Road Rescue • Crystal, MN
Senior confirmed
Carlo
Carlo Gizmo is a lovingly cuddly companion with big feelings about certain particulars in his world. He LOVES napping next to you on the couch and is …
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton, MN
Senior confirmed
Ivy - No Longer Accepting Applications
pethavenmn.org • St. Paul, MN
Senior dogs in Minnesota by breed
Senior dogs in Minnesota by city
Shelters & rescues with senior dogs in Minnesota
These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.
- God's Dogs Rescue of TX for MN Transport Stop — Richfield, Minnesota · See God's Dogs Rescue of TX for MN Transport Stop’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Underdog Rescue MN (opens in a new tab) — St. Louis Park, Minnesota · See Underdog Rescue MN’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Ruff Start Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Princeton, Minnesota · See Ruff Start Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Ruff Start Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Princeton, Minnesota · See Ruff Start Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- The Bond Between (opens in a new tab) — Minnetonka, Minnesota · See The Bond Between’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Across America Boxer Rescue — Burnsville, Minnesota · See Across America Boxer Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Redemption Road Rescue — Crystal, Minnesota · See Redemption Road Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Rescue Network (opens in a new tab) — Buffalo, Minnesota · See Rescue Network’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- The Rescue Crew, Inc (opens in a new tab) — Andover, Minnesota · See The Rescue Crew, Inc’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Doberman Rescue Minnesota (opens in a new tab) — Princeton, Minnesota · See Doberman Rescue Minnesota’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Mower County Humane Society (opens in a new tab) — AUSTIN, Minnesota · See Mower County Humane Society’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Pet Haven Inc. of MN (opens in a new tab) — St. Paul, Minnesota · See Pet Haven Inc. of MN’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Rejection Collection Boxer Rescue — Owatonna, Minnesota · See Rejection Collection Boxer Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Minnesota Boxer Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Woodbury, Minnesota · See Minnesota Boxer Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Wadena County Humane Society (opens in a new tab) — Wadena, Minnesota · See Wadena County Humane Society’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Marshmallow Foundation (opens in a new tab) — Detroit Lakes, Minnesota · See Marshmallow Foundation’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Minneapolis Animal Care and Control (opens in a new tab) — Minneapolis, Minnesota · See Minneapolis Animal Care and Control’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- No Dog Left Behind — Brooklyn Center, Minnesota · See No Dog Left Behind’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- pethavenmn.org (opens in a new tab) — St. Paul, Minnesota · See pethavenmn.org’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
Low-cost spay, neuter and vet care in Minnesota
Programs that help Minnesota 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 / neuterMinnesota Spay Neuter Assistance Program (MN SNAP) (opens in a new tab) (statewide) — Mobile clinic providing low-cost spay, neuter and core vaccines for dogs and cats of income-qualified Minnesotans.
- Low-cost vet careAnimal Humane Society Pet Clinics (opens in a new tab) — Veterinary clinics in St. Paul and Golden Valley with affordable fees and income-based discounts, including spay and neuter.
- Help paying for careAnimal Humane Society Veterinary Assistance (opens in a new tab) (statewide) — Resource list of low-cost veterinary facilities and financial help for Minnesota pet owners.
- Low-cost vet careVeTouch, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (opens in a new tab) — Student-run clinic offering free wellness exams and vaccines to low-income Twin Cities pet owners by appointment.
- Spay / neuterTri-County Humane Society Spay and Neuter Resources (opens in a new tab) (statewide) — List of lower-cost spay and neuter clinics throughout Minnesota maintained by the St. Cloud shelter.
Senior dogs in other states
Adopting a senior dog in Minnesota — 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 Minnesota?
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 Minnesota?
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 Minnesota?
Yes. Most shelters and rescues in Minnesota welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport within Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
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 Minnesota instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues in Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.