10+ years
Toto
This animal is a part of our “Seniors for Seniors” program where we offer senior adopters an opportunity to adopt an eligible pet at a discounted fee.…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton, 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 91–120 of 125 below.
Last updated October 18, 2026 at 12:12 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 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.
Senior confirmed
Sadie
Sadie is a comical, quirky, and spunky girl. She came from a neglect case in rural Kentucky, where she and other dogs were found abandoned and starvin…
Redemption Road Rescue • Crystal, MN
Senior confirmed
Galleta
DOB: 03/22/2017 Requires another dog in home: No Okay with dogs of all sizes: Yes, sometimes selective with small dogs Okay with cats: No, has prey dr…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
10+ years
Ripley
Ripley is a senior Yorkie with the sweetest little old-man heart. He is gentle, quiet, and easy to love — the kind of dog who is simply happy to have …
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
Senior confirmed
Rosette
This animal is a part of our “Seniors for Seniors” program where we offer senior adopters an opportunity to adopt an eligible pet at a discounted fee.…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton, MN
10+ years
McFly
McFly is a 9‑pound senior Yorkie mix with the heart (and energy!) of a much younger dog. He’s a lively, affectionate little companion who loves to cud…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
10+ years
Gandalf
Don’t let his cloudy eyes fool you—Gandalf sees the world with his heart, and it’s one of the sweetest hearts you’ll ever meet. This darling Yorkie is…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
10+ years
Sandy - FOSTER OR ADOPT ME WITH DANNY
Sandy & Danny were picked up as strays in Boone County, IN. They are WONDERFUL dogs....both very sweet, get along with everyone and everything, and ar…
Across America Boxer Rescue • Burnsville, MN
10+ years
Martha
Some dogs spend their lives asking for very little, yet give absolutely everything in return. Martha is one of those dogs. This sweet 13-year-old Shih…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
10+ years
Barry
This animal is a part of our “Seniors for Seniors” program where we offer senior adopters an opportunity to adopt an eligible pet at a discounted fee.…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton, MN
Senior confirmed
Coco Ross
Meet Coco, an amazing 60-lb pit bull with a heart of gold and a serious talent for stealing hearts (and maybe the occasional snack—he’s a professional…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton, MN
Senior confirmed
Dax D66899
Housetrained · No shared walls · Single Dog Home · Good with older, considerate children · Not Good with Cats · Crate trained
The Bond Between • Minnesota, MN
Senior confirmed
Ahri
Ahri came to the shelter on 8/7/2026 as an owner surrender. Her owners' lives underwent some big changes, and they could no longer give her the time a…
Mower County Humane Society • AUSTIN, MN
Senior confirmed
Miss Sammy
8/25/2026 Update from foster mom: Ms Sammy or just Sammy is the perfect blend of activity. She loves playing with toys and chasing the laser pointer o…
Rejection Collection Boxer Rescue • Owatonna, MN
Senior confirmed
Queenie
Hi, I’m Queenie! I’m a big, lovable girl who would make a wonderful match for a somewhat active family. I love going for walks and exploring the world…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton, MN
10+ years
Mrs. Moose
Meet Moose! Moose is a sweet, devoted, and energetic girl who loves attention, pets, and playtime. She is incredibly smart and driven, picking up new …
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton, MN
10+ years
Coco
Come meet me at Underdog Rescue Headquarters (3345 Dakota Ave, St. Louis Park, 55416) on Saturday, October 17th from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm. Please email…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
10+ years
Maddie
Maddie would do best in a home with little in and out traffic, and someone to giver her all the attention. Maddie is nearly 13 years old and about 15 …
Redemption Road Rescue • Crystal, MN
Senior confirmed
Alfa
This beautiful girl was surrendered to an Indiana shelter when her family brought a new dog into the home that she just did not want to share her spac…
Across America Boxer Rescue • Burnsville, MN
Senior confirmed
Darrow
Darrow arrived at the shelter on 8/7/2026, from one of our local rescue friends. He's an approximately 7 year old red heeler mix. We were told there c…
Mower County Humane Society • AUSTIN, MN
Senior confirmed
Paisley
Paisley is a purebred cocker spaniel who came to MCHS as an owner surrender on 10/8/2026 due to rental restrictions. She is a calm and rather stocky m…
Mower County Humane Society • AUSTIN, MN
Senior confirmed
Lulu
Meet Lulu the Maltese — Looking for Her Forever Home! ❤️ Sweet Lulu is still learning about the comforts of home and discovering what it means to feel…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
Senior confirmed
Stanley
Stanley is an Alaskan Husky! I love humans, dogs and cats! Whether it’s lounging on the couch or going for a walk, I’m just happy to be by your side! …
Marshmallow Foundation • Detroit Lakes, MN
Senior confirmed
Zeara (and Cooper)
We are totally guessing on the breed mixes and can be wrong! :)* Zeara is the sweetest of girls! Like her life buddy, Cooper, she would be in the top …
Redemption Road Rescue • Crystal, MN
Senior confirmed
Amelia
Meet Amelia Amelia is a sweet, curious, sassy, and wonderfully calm little lady who has a lot of love to give. A former show girl, she still carries h…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
Senior confirmed
Ridge - HOSPICE care
Ridge is an amazing boy! He is so well-behaved, well-mannered and happy! He likes curling up in his crate and the couch. Ridge gets along with my dogs…
Rejection Collection Boxer Rescue • Owatonna, MN
Senior confirmed
Alma
Hello, my name is Alma! I am a beautiful and affectionate adult female Pomsky who is a total sweetheart if I do say so myself!! I love going on leashe…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
Senior confirmed
Harper
This ADORABLE little girl arrived at her Ohio foster home not quite two weeks ago and she is doing very well there. Harper has a lot going on....her b…
Across America Boxer Rescue • Burnsville, MN
Senior confirmed
Lance
Lance's owner went into a nursing home and no one could take him in. He is 7 years old, 61 lbs, housebroken, good with cats and with other dogs and SW…
Across America Boxer Rescue • Burnsville, MN
Senior confirmed
Pawpaw
Pawpaw is a gentle Beagle who is currently undergoing Heartworm treatment. He would love a quiet, peaceful home to rest in. Heartworm is not transmitt…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, 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.