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 183 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 183 below.
Last updated September 24, 2026 at 2:23 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 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. Always confirm availability and adoption requirements directly with the shelter or rescue.
47 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
183 senior dogs available in North Carolina.
Senior confirmed
Sakari
Sakari is a beautiful girl with a gentle soul. Sadly we believe she did not always know the better side of humans. She was likely fed and bred at best…
Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, NC
10+ years
Dexter
Dexter was rescued from the shelter on a last call alert by Pawfect Match. Maybe his middle name should be Lucky? At the age of 10 he is a mature, wel…
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
Updated recently
Elvis
Meet Elvis… a tiny senior with a big personality who needs your help ❤️ Everyone, say hello to Elvis — an adorable little 11-year-old Chihuahua who ha…
Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue inc • Middlesex, NC
Senior confirmed
Rhino
Meet Rhino - Your New Best Friend! At 8 years old and 100 pounds, this gentle giant has perfected the art of being the best companion you could ask fo…
Freedom German Shepherd Rescue • La Grange, 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
Senior confirmed
Momma
Hi I'm known as Momma! My estimated DOB is March 2019, I may be considered a senior but I still have plenty of spunk left. Right now I am just thankfu…
Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, NC
10+ years
10+ years
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
Senior confirmed
Elvis
Ain't nothing but a hound dog.... oh and some shepherd they think, basically a heinz 57 with lots of great traits. I love to be with my people and wou…
Rescue Ur Forever Friend • Garner, NC
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
10+ years
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
10+ years
Senior confirmed
10+ years
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
Charlie
Charlie was heartworm positive and has completed treatment! He’ll need to be retested in February to make sure treatment was successful. The adopter w…
No Collar Queens Animal Rescue • Jacksonville, NC
10+ years
Blaze and Molly
This is a courtesy post. Please do not contact Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue for information. Contact information is provided in the descriptio…
Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue • Rutherfordton, NC
10+ years
Sugar Chi
Sugar Chi is a 14 year old female senior Chihuahua, but don't let her age fool you. She is still very healthy and active. She would like to be held mo…
Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog Rescue • Thomasville, NC
10+ years
Macie
Hey there! I'm Macie, and I'm on a mission to find my forever family. If you're looking for a laid-back, friendly companion who loves attention, you'v…
SPCA of Wake County • Raleigh, NC
Senior confirmed
Vida
Hi there! I'm Vida, a sweet senior gal with a heart full of love and a spirit that's still young at heart. Despite my age, I've got plenty of pep and …
SPCA of Wake County • Raleigh, NC
Senior confirmed
Reba
Hi there! I'm Reba, a sweet senior gal looking for my forever home. I've got a heart full of love and I'm always ready to shower my future family with…
SPCA of Wake County • Raleigh, NC
Senior confirmed
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
- 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
- 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
- CrisisDogsNC (opens in a new tab) — Spring Lake, North Carolina · See CrisisDogsNC’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
- 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
- Freedom Ride Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Raleigh area, North Carolina · See Freedom Ride Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Hoke County Animal Control & Shelter (opens in a new tab) — Raeford, North Carolina · See Hoke County Animal Control & Shelter’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
- 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
- Piedmont Animal Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Mooresville, North Carolina · See Piedmont Animal Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Saving Grace Animals for Adoption (opens in a new tab) — Wake Forest, North Carolina · See Saving Grace Animals for Adoption’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
- Gram Rescue Ranch (opens in a new tab) — Winston Salem, North Carolina · See Gram Rescue Ranch’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Animal Protection Society of Durham (opens in a new tab) — Durham, North Carolina · See Animal Protection Society of Durham’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
- Atlantic Rottweiler Rescue Foundation (opens in a new tab) — Mooresville, North Carolina · See Atlantic Rottweiler Rescue Foundation’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Best Friend Pet Adoption (opens in a new tab) — Cary, North Carolina · See Best Friend Pet Adoption’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
- German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption — Durham, North Carolina · See German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption’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.
Know a senior dog in North Carolina who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.