Senior dogs 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 121–125 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.
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.
125 senior dogs available in Minnesota.
Danny & Sandy 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
Gerald Frederick is a sweet senior gentleman with a heart full of love and a strong desire to be close to his people. If you’re looking for a loyal co…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
London is a lovely gentle giant with an even bigger heart. At 102 pounds, she is all about love, comfort, and keeping watch over her home. She spends …
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
Opal is a gentle, affectionate English Bulldog with a heart full of love and a personality that melts everyone she meets. At home, she’s the ultimate …
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
Meet Polar! My daughter and I have been fostering polar for almost 2 years. He has blossomed. He is a 55 lb white terrier mix that always has a smile …
No Dog Left Behind • Brooklyn Center, MN
These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ageA 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 & healthHow 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 readShelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.
