Senior confirmed
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 31–60 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.
10+ years
TT
Contact the foster at, alyssa.s.cummins@gmail.comMeet TT!At 12 years young, TT is the perfect mix of playful energy and cozy companionship. Her silly …
Animal Care & Control, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department • Charlotte, NC
Senior confirmed
Domino
Domino American Pitbull Terrier 8 yrs old Neutered Male Domino is a precious boy who loves to play ball. He came into our care for rehabilitation from…
Happy Hills Animal Foundation • Staley, NC
Senior confirmed
Moose
Please contact foster at meliathomas94@gmail.comBig, affectionate, smiley cuddle bug!!Dog friendly - very friendly to all shapes + sizes he’s metKid f…
Animal Care & Control, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department • Charlotte, NC
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Gretchen
Attention: This is a courtesy posting only! This pet is NOT available through Mountain Pet Rescue. Please do NOT contact MPR for information about the…
Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Bao Bao
I am a handsome, older fellow that was surrendered to the shelter when my owner could no longer care for me. My previous owner reports that I have don…
Orange County Animal Services • Chapel Hill, NC
10+ years
Chelsea
Found as a stray who was never claimed, it would seem that she had been previously abused. She was first adopted by an elderly lady who said that she …
Gram Rescue Ranch • Winston Salem, NC
10+ years
Buster
Meet Buster! Buster is a sweet, gentle 12-year-old boy with the calmest, easiest-going personality. He doesn’t ask for much, just a comfortable place …
Piedmont Animal Rescue • Mooresville, NC
Senior confirmed
Happy
Happy is a 7-year-old, large mixed breed who truly lives up to his name. He’s a sweet, affectionate boy who loves being close to his people and happil…
Burlington Adoption Center • Haw River, NC
Senior confirmed
Maggie
Maggie's Journey to Love- Maggie is a 9-year-old German Shepherd with soulful eyes, 91 pounds of love (okay… maybe a little extra love), and a comebac…
Southeast German Shepherd Rescue • New Hill, NC
Senior confirmed
Tess
Tess is a 7 year old, 8 lb Chihuahua mix with a tender heart and a gentle, submissive nature, especially when meeting new people! Quick Facts: Name: T…
CrisisDogsNC • Spring Lake, NC
Senior confirmed
Benny
This is a courtesy post. Please do not contact Heart of the Foothills for information. Please contact the owner at meganmaglione@yahoo.com or (704) 61…
Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue • Rutherfordton, NC
10+ years
Thor
Thor is an older poodle mix that has a big personality. He doesn't seem to like other dogs, but he did just get neutered so that may calm in the futur…
Stanly County Humane Society, Inc • Albemarle, NC
10+ years
Julio
Hi! My name is Julio, a Chihuahua mix. My vet estimated year of birth is 2013, but don't let that stop you. I may be a little older, but I will make a…
Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog Rescue • Thomasville, NC
Senior confirmed
Mini
Meet Mini Mini is an 8-year-old sweetheart who's searching for the one thing she wants most—a family to love forever. She adores cuddles, enjoys leisu…
Piedmont Animal Rescue • Mooresville, NC
Senior confirmed
Forrest
Hi, I'm Forrest! I'm a charming and friendly dog who loves making new friends. As a true celebrity in the making, I have a natural charisma that draws…
SPCA of Wake County • Raleigh, NC
Senior confirmed
Spyro
Please Contact Foster At; jeanette.c.lam@gmail.com• Potty + Crate Trained• Friendly with foster’s resident dogs• Very sweet boy with a heart of gold• …
Animal Care & Control, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department • Charlotte, NC
Senior confirmed
Nina
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
Ken
Contact foster at: gymvet@hotmail.comHe gets along GREAT with my dogs and is friendly to my cat! Very playful with my dogs in our yard and in the hous…
Animal Care & Control, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department • Charlotte, NC
10+ years
Nika
Please contact foster at kerryu@animalmedical.net Nika, the sweetest girl in the world: •absolute sweetheart, she aims to please the humans•loves to c…
Animal Care & Control, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department • Charlotte, NC
Senior confirmed
Queen
Meet Queen, a charming and sassy sidekick who's equal parts snuggle bug, road trip companion, and toy-loving goofball. She’s all about her people and …
Burlington Adoption Center • Haw River, NC
Senior confirmed
Roscoe
This is a courtesy post. Please do not contact Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue for information. Contact information is provided below. Roscoe is …
Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue • Rutherfordton, NC
Senior confirmed
Cava
Why hello there! My name is Cava. As a reserved and loyal companion it can take a little time for me to warm up to new friends, but once I do you'll f…
SPCA of Wake County • Raleigh, NC
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Diesel
Diesel is a sweet older Lab/Great Dane mix. His vet estimated birth date is 2017. He weighs around 77 pounds. Diesel loves going on walks! He walks gr…
Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog Rescue • Thomasville, NC
10+ years
Popcorn
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
Senior confirmed
Koda
Contact the foster at, wvaldivi@yahoo.comMay need to be the only dog in the home
Animal Care & Control, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department • Charlotte, 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.