10+ years
Taima
Taima is a sweet girl, estimated DOB in 2016. She has been described as friendly but shy. She found herself in a loud, cold and scary shelter and it w…
Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, NC
Senior dogs in North Carolina
Senior dogs for adoption in North Carolina
Meet 214 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in North Carolina. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love. Showing 1–30 of 214 below.
Last updated November 9, 2026 at 1:47 AM EST. 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 North Carolina means you typically know their size, temperament, and energy level from day one: fewer surprises, and a grateful companion who settles in fast. Right now the senior dogs listed in North Carolina include Pit Bull Terrier, Labrador Retriever, and Terrier, spread across 42 cities and 56 shelters and rescues. Always confirm availability and adoption requirements directly with the shelter or rescue.
56 shelters and rescues in North Carolina currently list senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance.
How adoption works in North Carolina
North Carolina offers a deep pool of adoptable dogs, and most listings come from rescue groups, led by Holly Springs, Fayetteville and Chapel Hill. Municipal shelters tend to have walk-in hours where you can meet dogs the same day, while rescue groups usually keep dogs in foster homes and start with an application.
Contact the organization that has the dog you like. There is usually an application or a conversation, followed by a meet and greet and an adoption fee set by that organization, which often covers spay or neuter and vaccinations. Since listings cluster in a few cities, many groups help arrange transport within North Carolina for the right match. The organization on the dog's profile is where to ask about that dog's history, requirements and availability.
Available senior dogs in North Carolina
214 senior dogs available in North Carolina.
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Poppy
YOU MUST COMPLETE A BEST FRIEND PET ADOPTION APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED TO ADOPT POPPY. Please apply at: https://toolkit.rescuegroups.org/of/f?c=WHM…
Best Friend Pet Adoption • Cary, NC
Senior confirmed
Claire
Claire is a 9 year old, 12 lb Miniature Poodle with a gentle heart, a soft spirit, and the sweetest desire to belong! Quick Facts: Name: Claire Breed:…
CrisisDogsNC • Spring Lake, NC
Senior confirmed
Uncle Sam
I am Uncle Sam, and if I may say so myself, a gorgeous almost eight year old, 98 pound, sable boy. I am looking for an adopter that likes to play ball…
Freedom German Shepherd Rescue • La Grange, NC
Senior confirmed
Justina
Left to die at an animal control facility, a kind-hearted person saved her and now seeks a loving home for this very sweet girl. If you can provide a …
Gram Rescue Ranch • Winston Salem, NC
10+ years
Treasure
Age 16 years Anglo-Arab, Mare We at Pawsitive Impact Dog Rescue are not strictly dedicated to just rescuing dogs, as every once in a while along comes…
Pawsitive Impact NC Dog Rescue • Charlotte, NC
10+ years
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Updated recently
Peaches
A Special Note About Me I'm part of Pawfect Match's Special Care & Rehabilitation Program. My journey is a little different than most. Some of us are …
Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, NC
Senior confirmed
Deacon
Meet Deacon, he is a mixed breed dog with a great personality… uh, dog-anality. Deacon is a neutered male coming in at about 45 lbs of pure love. He's…
Tails of the Unwanted • Greensboro, NC
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Daisy
25 pound LITTLE beagle alert! My name is Little Miss Daisy Duke or better known as just Daisy. I found myself homeless recently when my mom died, then…
Adam's Folly • Bolivia, NC
Senior confirmed
Teagan
Meet Teagan, a Hound mix who weighs about 40 pounds. Her vet estimated year of birth is 2018. Teagan is a very sweet young lady who is very loving but…
Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog Rescue • Thomasville, NC
10+ years
Sonny
Meet Sonny! ☀️ Sonny is a handsome 10-year-old long-haired Chihuahua looking for his forever home! Sonny came to Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue as a st…
Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue inc • Middlesex, NC
Senior confirmed
Holly
Meet Holly! Holly is a sweet, affectionate American Staffordshire Terrier, around 9 to 10 years old. She’s been with the rescue since 2018, after comi…
Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, NC
At Risk
Darling Dottie
Darling Dottie was found alone in a house after her owner sadly died in the shower. She was on her last day at the shelter when a life-saving foster s…
Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, NC
10+ years
Bucky
Bucky – Gentle, Independent Senior Looking for a Patient Home Located in Middlesex, NC Adoption Fee: $300 Please note: We do not transport dogs. Bucky…
Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue inc • Middlesex, NC
Senior confirmed
Maggie (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~8 years old. Good with kids, dogs and cats. Raymond Grohman Rockwell, NC rgrohman@caro…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
Senior confirmed
Sonny (CL)
COURTESY LISTING - Please contact person below with inquiries. ~8 years old. Good with kids. Not good with dogs and cats. John Brewer Winston Salem, N…
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption • Durham, NC
Senior confirmed
Roscoe
Roscoe is ready to fall into his forever home. This 7-year-old, 35-pound sweetheart is basically everything you want in a cozy-season companion. He’s …
Mitchell Mill Animal Hospital Rescue Inc • Raleigh, NC
Senior confirmed
Daisy
Puppies 6 months and under are typically $200 and dogs from 7 months to 6 years are typically $100.00. The adoption fee may be higher or lower than st…
Yancey County Humane Society • Burnsville, NC
10+ years
Maggie
Maggie is quite an independent little girl. She is the queen in her castle, She spends her time occupying herself. She would likely be fine with anoth…
Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC
Senior confirmed
Penelope
Puppies 6 months and under are typically $200 and dogs from 7 months to 6 years are typically $100.00. The adoption fee may be higher or lower than st…
Yancey County Humane Society • Burnsville, NC
Senior confirmed
Rose Madder
Puppies 6 months and under are typically $200 and dogs from 7 months to 6 years are typically $100.00. The adoption fee may be higher or lower than st…
Yancey County Humane Society • Burnsville, NC
Senior confirmed
A525918
New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Animal Services Unit • Wilmington, NC
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Otis
Meet Otis, a sweet 10 year old boy who is proof that a little love can go a long way! Otis was found as a stray, very matted and in need of some TLC. …
Piedmont Animal Rescue • Mooresville, NC
10+ years
Maggie
Maggie is a 14‑year‑old, 20‑lb Shih Tzu mix who absolutely doesn’t act her age — shh, don’t tell her she’s a senior! Quick Facts: Name: Maggie Breed: …
CrisisDogsNC • Spring Lake, NC
Senior dogs in North Carolina by breed
Senior dogs in North Carolina by city
Shelters & rescues with senior dogs in North Carolina
These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.
- Pawfect Match Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Holly Springs, North Carolina · See Pawfect Match Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Guilford County Animal Services (opens in a new tab) — Greensbo, North Carolina · See Guilford County Animal Services ’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Yancey County Humane Society (opens in a new tab) — Burnsville, North Carolina · See Yancey County Humane Society’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue inc (opens in a new tab) — Middlesex, North Carolina · See Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue inc’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Thomasville, North Carolina · See Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Burlington Adoption Center (opens in a new tab) — Haw River, North Carolina · See Burlington Adoption Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- CrisisDogsNC (opens in a new tab) — Spring Lake, North Carolina · See CrisisDogsNC’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Piedmont Animal Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Mooresville, North Carolina · See Piedmont Animal Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- SPCA of Wake County (opens in a new tab) — Raleigh, North Carolina · See SPCA of Wake County’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Animal Care & Control, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department — Charlotte, North Carolina · See Animal Care & Control, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Guilford County Animal Services (opens in a new tab) — Greensboro, North Carolina · See Guilford County Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Gram Rescue Ranch (opens in a new tab) — Winston Salem, North Carolina · See Gram Rescue Ranch’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Rutherfordton, North Carolina · See Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Freedom German Shepherd Rescue (opens in a new tab) — La Grange , North Carolina · See Freedom German Shepherd Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Freedom Ride Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Raleigh area, North Carolina · See Freedom Ride Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville (opens in a new tab) — Candler, North Carolina · See Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Rescue Ur Forever Friend (opens in a new tab) — Garner, North Carolina · See Rescue Ur Forever Friend’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- yanceyhumanesociety.org (opens in a new tab) — Burnsville, North Carolina · See yanceyhumanesociety.org’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Catawba County Animal Care and Control — Newton, North Carolina · See Catawba County Animal Care and Control’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Cumberland County Animal Control — Fayetteville, North Carolina · See Cumberland County Animal Control’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Faith Hope and Love Animal Rescue NC — Salisbury, North Carolina · See Faith Hope and Love Animal Rescue NC’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- foothillshumanesociety.org (opens in a new tab) · See foothillshumanesociety.org’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Greater Charlotte SPCA (opens in a new tab) — Charlotte, North Carolina · See Greater Charlotte SPCA’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Haywood County Animal Shelter (opens in a new tab) — Clyde, North Carolina · See Haywood County Animal Shelter’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
Low-cost spay, neuter and vet care in North Carolina
Programs that help North Carolina 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 / neuterNorth Carolina Department of Agriculture Spay and Neuter Program (opens in a new tab) (statewide) — State program reimbursing counties and cities for spay and neuter of pets from low-income households.
- Spay / neuterHumane Society of Charlotte Spay/Neuter Clinic (opens in a new tab) — Affordable spay and neuter surgery for cats and dogs in Charlotte with add-on wellness services.
- Spay / neuterSPCA of Wake County Saving Lives Spay/Neuter Clinic (opens in a new tab) — Low-cost spay and neuter surgery for cats and dogs in Raleigh, with vaccines and microchips available.
- Help paying for careHumane Society of the Piedmont Community Resources (opens in a new tab) — Greensboro affordable spay, neuter and wellness care plus a financial assistance fund and pet food program.
Senior dogs in other states
Adopting a senior dog in North Carolina — 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 North Carolina?
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 North Carolina?
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 North Carolina?
Yes. Most shelters and rescues in North Carolina welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport within North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
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 North Carolina instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues in North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.