Senior dogs in New Jersey

Senior dogs for adoption in New Jersey

Meet 93 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in New Jersey. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love. Showing 31–60 of 93 below.

Last updated September 24, 2026 at 4:22 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 New Jersey 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.

32 shelters and rescues in New Jersey currently list senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance.

How adoption works in New Jersey

A steady number of dogs are listed in New Jersey, mostly by rescue groups, and Rockaway, Oakhurst and Sussex come up often. Rescue groups tend to place dogs in foster homes and ask for an application before a visit, while municipal shelters generally keep walk-in hours where you can meet dogs directly.

Open a dog's profile and reach out to the organization that has them. Expect an application or a conversation, then a meet and greet and an adoption fee set by that organization, which often covers spay or neuter and vaccinations. Because listings cluster in a few towns, many groups help arrange transport within the state for the right match. The organization on the profile is your source for that dog's history, requirements and availability.

Available senior dogs in New Jersey

93 senior dogs available in New Jersey.

Senior confirmed
Photo of Hope, adoptable senior Boxer in Sussex, New Jersey

Hope

Boxer • Female • Medium • 7 years

Meet Hope — a beautiful Boxer girl who has already overcome so much and is finally ready for the happy ending she deserves. ❤️Hope is a 7-year-old pur…

Critter Companion Rescue • Sussex, NJ

Senior confirmed
Photo of Diamond, adoptable senior Pit Bull Terrier in Manahawkin, New Jersey

Diamond

Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Large • 7 years

Diamond, Pit Bull, Tan, Female spayed, 7 years old Diamond is a very sweet and friendly girl who loves to be around people and is very affectionate to…

Southern Ocean County Animal Facility • Manahawkin, NJ

Senior confirmed
Photo of Nikko, adoptable senior Siberian Husky in Matawan, New Jersey

Nikko

Siberian Husky • Male • 8 years

Meet Nikko! Nikko is a male pomsky who is looking for his loving forever home. Nikko was found as a stray in NY and was never claimed. Unfortunately h…

Husky House • Matawan, NJ

At Risk
Photo of Juni TX, adoptable senior Chesapeake Bay Retriever in Boonton, New Jersey

Juni TX

Chesapeake Bay Retriever • Large • 8 years

Meet Juni TX Juni is an 8-year-old, 60-pound Chesapeake Bay Retriever whose world was turned upside down when her family moved and decided she couldn’…

Northstar Pet Rescue • Boonton, NJ

10+ years
Photo of Edna the Spicy Chi TX, adoptable senior Chihuahua in Boonton, New Jersey

Edna the Spicy Chi TX

Chihuahua • Female • Small • 12 years

Meet Edna, the Queen of Hearts Her Royal Highness Edna rules her kingdom with equal parts affection, sass, and impeccable boundaries. A devoted cuddle…

Northstar Pet Rescue • Boonton, NJ

10+ years
Photo of Tia, adoptable senior Chihuahua in Brick, New Jersey

Tia

Chihuahua • Female • Small • 10 years

This dog is part of our shelter outreach program where we take dogs from overcrowded shelters in hopes of finding them a forever home here! We general…

Jersey Shore Animal Center • Brick, NJ

10+ years
Photo of Ruxpin, adoptable senior American Pit Bull Terrier in Caldwell, New Jersey

Ruxpin

American Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Large • 13 years

Ruxpin (13) and Tata (7) would ideally find a home together, but we understand that’s a big ask. We are willing to consider separating them if necessa…

Rescue Haven Foundation • Caldwell, NJ

Senior confirmed
Photo of Tata, adoptable senior American Pit Bull Terrier in Caldwell, New Jersey

Tata

American Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Medium • 7 years

Ruxpin (13) and Tata (7) would ideally find a home together, but we understand that’s a big ask. We are willing to consider separating them if necessa…

Rescue Haven Foundation • Caldwell, NJ

Senior confirmed
Photo of Harley (with Joker), adoptable senior German Shepherd Dog in Millburn, New Jersey

Harley (with Joker)

German Shepherd Dog • Female • Large • 7 years

Age: 7 Years Sex: Female Size: Large Good With Dogs: Yes Good With Cats: No Good With Children: Yes Joker and Harley are best of friends. Although not…

Sedona Shepherd Sanctuary • Millburn, NJ

Senior confirmed
Photo of Tootsie, adoptable senior Poodle (Toy) in Cranford, New Jersey

Tootsie

Poodle (Toy) • Female • Small • 9 years

Nine-year-old Tootsie has already lived a lifetime of hardship—but you’d never know it from the quiet sweetness she carries today. For years, this tin…

Best Friend Dog and Animal Adoption Inc • Cranford, NJ

10+ years
Photo of Kym's Lulu TX, adoptable senior Maltese in Boonton, New Jersey

Kym's Lulu TX

Maltese • Female • Small • 11 years

Meet Lulu, a Maltese/Poodle mix ("Maltipoo") who's about 11 years old and weighs 19 lbs. This gal is looking for a new home. She is good on leash and …

Northstar Pet Rescue • Boonton, NJ

Senior confirmed
Photo of Lilo, adoptable senior Bulldog in Brick, New Jersey

Lilo

Bulldog • Female • Large • 8 years

This dog is part of our shelter outreach program where we take dogs from overcrowded shelters in hopes of finding them a forever home here! We general…

Jersey Shore Animal Center • Brick, NJ

At Risk
Photo of Tiny Tim, adoptable senior Siberian Husky in Matawan, New Jersey

Tiny Tim

Siberian Husky • Male • 9 years

Meet Tiny Tim! Tiny Tim is a 9 year old male husky who is looking for his loving forever home. Tiny Tim was pulled from a shelter by Husky House right…

Husky House • Matawan, NJ

Senior confirmed
Photo of Kym's Ginger TX, adoptable senior Terrier in Boonton, New Jersey

Kym's Ginger TX

Terrier • Female • Small • 8 years

Meet Ginger, an adorable scruffy Terrier who's about 8 years old and weighs 17 lbs. This gal is looking for a new home where she can play Fetch and go…

Northstar Pet Rescue • Boonton, NJ

Senior confirmed
Photo of Larz, adoptable senior Siberian Husky in Matawan, New Jersey

Larz

Siberian Husky • Male • 7 years

Meet Larz! Larz was pulled from a municipal shelter to Husky House, and he is now looking for his loving forever home. He is vision impaired in one ey…

Husky House • Matawan, NJ

Updated recently
Photo of Jasper, adoptable senior German Shepherd Dog in Millburn, New Jersey

Jasper

German Shepherd Dog • Male • Large • Adult

JASPER - A Family Friendly German Shepherd Age: 8 Years Sex: Male Size: Medium Good With Dogs: Needs proper introduction Good With Cats: No Good With …

Sedona Shepherd Sanctuary • Millburn, NJ

10+ years
Photo of Paw Paw Walter, adoptable senior Hound in Mount Laurel, New Jersey

Paw Paw Walter

Hound • Male • Medium • 12 years

Adopt Paw Paw Walter — Fee Already Sponsored Some dogs just have that something, and Paw Paw Walter has it in spades. At 12 years young, this soft-hea…

One Love Animal Rescue • Mount Laurel, NJ

Senior confirmed
Photo of Vera's Skye, adoptable senior Dachshund in Boonton, New Jersey

Vera's Skye

Dachshund • Female • Small • 7 years

Vera's Skye is a beautiful 7-year-old Red Piebald Dachshund recently rescued by NorthStar and who is now in a loving foster home. She came into rescue…

Northstar Pet Rescue • Boonton, NJ

Senior confirmed
Photo of Hikaru, adoptable senior Pit Bull Terrier in Jackson, New Jersey

Hikaru

Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Large • 7 years

Hikaru, American Bully, Brindle and White, Male neutered, 7 years old Hikaru is a friendly boy who enjoys being by your side and getting lots of love …

Northern Ocean County Animal Facility • Jackson, NJ

Senior confirmed
Photo of Kota, adoptable senior German Shepherd Dog in Millburn, New Jersey

Kota

German Shepherd Dog • Female • Large • 7 years

KOTA - AN ATHLETIC AND FAMILY FRIENDLY ADULT SHEPHERD Age: 8 Years Sex: Female Size: Medium to Large Good With Dogs: Yes Good With Cats: No Good With …

Sedona Shepherd Sanctuary • Millburn, NJ

Senior confirmed
Photo of Roxie, adoptable senior Siberian Husky in Matawan, New Jersey

Roxie

Siberian Husky • Female • 7 years

Meet Roxie, a husky mix who was dumped in a shelter when she was pregnant. Husky House pulled her and she gave birth to beautiful puppies, and now she…

Husky House • Matawan, NJ

Senior confirmed
Photo of Archie, adoptable senior Pomeranian in Matawan, New Jersey

Archie

Pomeranian • Male • 7 years

Meet Archie! Archie is a male Pomeranian who was rescued from being found left in a dumpster. Now safe at Husky House, Archie is looking for his lovin…

Husky House • Matawan, NJ

At Risk
Photo of Hershal, adoptable senior Akita in Hewitt, New Jersey

Hershal

Akita • Male • Large • 8 years

Hershal has had a pretty rough life..Its clear he was never loved or cared for. We rescued him from certain death when he found himself at a southern …

The Last Resort • Hewitt, NJ

Senior confirmed
Photo of Susie and June Bug, adoptable senior Shepherd in Bloomingdale, New Jersey

Susie and June Bug

Shepherd • Female • Large • 8 years

Meet Susie and June Bug, a dynamic duo of sisterly love! These two affectionate and gentle souls are a match made in heaven, and they're looking for t…

Bloomingdale Regional Animal Shelter Socety, Inc. • Bloomingdale, NJ

Senior confirmed
Photo of Bear, adoptable senior American Staffordshire Terrier in Lawrenceville, New Jersey

Bear

American Staffordshire Terrier • Male • Medium • 8 years

There is an absolutely adorable eight-year-old boy who is hoping for a Christmas miracle — or at least a home by New Year’s. Bear is dreaming of start…

EASEL Animal Rescue League • Lawrenceville, NJ

At Risk
Photo of MJ, adoptable senior Boston Terrier in Pittstown, New Jersey

MJ

Boston Terrier • Male • Small • 9 years

Meet MJ! He is a 9yr old beagle/terrier mix. He was found as a stray in KY and ended up in a kill shelter...until we rescued him. He seems to get alon…

S&L Animal Rescue, Inc. • Pittstown, NJ

Senior confirmed
Photo of Allie, adoptable senior German Shepherd Dog in Pittstown, New Jersey

Allie

German Shepherd Dog • Female • Medium • 8 years

Meet Allie! Our vet estimates her to be 8yrs old and she has been spayed. Allie weighs about 50lbs. We wanted the vet to check her right eye since it …

S&L Animal Rescue, Inc. • Pittstown, NJ

10+ years
Photo of Miho, adoptable senior Pit Bull Terrier in Jackson Township, New Jersey

Miho

Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Medium • 10 years

10 year old pit mix. Pet friendly. Good with older children. Crate trained, UTD on vaccines. Spayed and hw negative. This girl enjoys lounging around …

No Paw Left Behind Animal Rescue • Jackson Township, NJ

Senior dogs in New Jersey by breed

Senior dogs in New Jersey by city

Shelters & rescues with senior dogs in New Jersey

These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.

Low-cost spay, neuter and vet care in New Jersey

Programs that help New Jersey adopters keep a dog healthy on a budget. Each page was checked on 2026-09-10; confirm current hours and eligibility with the organization.

Senior dogs in other states

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Adopting a senior dog in New Jersey — 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 New Jersey?

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 New Jersey?

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 New Jersey?

Yes. Most shelters and rescues in New Jersey welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport within New Jersey 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 New Jersey?

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 New Jersey instead of adopting?

Many shelters and rescues in New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey who needs a home?

Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.