Senior confirmed
Senior dogs in North Carolina
Senior dogs for adoption in North Carolina
Meet 196 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 61–90 of 196 below.
Last updated July 12, 2026 at 9:30 AM EDT. Listings refresh automatically, usually every 12 hours.
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.
Available senior dogs in North Carolina
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
PUZZLE
PUZZLE is a medium-sized male Hound, a senior, located in Newton, NC at Catawba County Animal Care and Control. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Catawba County Animal Care and Control • Newton, NC
Senior confirmed
Rosie
Rosie is a senior female of unknown breed with a medium coat and medium size, located in Holly Springs, NC. She is at Pawfect Match Rescue, and senior…
Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, NC
Senior confirmed
Hutch
Hutch Beagle Neutered Male Date of Birth : 2017 Meet Hutch, a senior Beagle with a sweet, sweet soul and the calm presence only a seasoned companion c…
Happy Hills Animal Foundation • Staley, NC
Senior confirmed
BOSS
BOSS is a small male senior Boxer at Cumberland County Animal Control in Fayetteville, NC. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Cumberland County Animal Control • Fayetteville, NC
Senior confirmed
Bailey
Bailey is an 8 year old Shorkie which is a Shih Tzu/Yorkie mix, she weighs about 15 pounds. We are helping to find a home for Bailey because her owner…
Surry Animal Rescue • Mount Airy, NC
Senior confirmed
Georgia
Georgia is an 8-year-old (senior) female American Pit Bull Terrier at Gram Rescue Ranch in Winston Salem, NC. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Gram Rescue Ranch • Winston Salem, NC
10+ years
Louis
Louis is a 13 year old, 10 lb miniature poodle mix who is the definition of a gentle, low maintenance senior sweetheart! Special Offer for Louis! Once…
CrisisDogsNC • Spring Lake, NC
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
LACEY
A520827`Lacey`7 year old spayed female** NO SMALL KIDS in the same home**Lacey was surrendered to the shelter by her previous owner and has been great…
New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Animal Services Unit • Wilmington, NC
10+ years
George
Meet George! He is a 12 years old and weighs about 13lbs. He is a laid back guy. George is ready to retire on your couch! **No children.** George woul…
Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog Rescue • Thomasville, NC
10+ years
WOLVERINE
My adoption fee is now $0! Adopt me and pay NO FEE!!
Burlington Adoption Center • Haw River, 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
Mr Pepper
Meet Mr. Pepper — a scruffy little gentleman with a big personality and an even bigger heart. At 10 years young, Mr. Pepper still has plenty of advent…
Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, NC
Senior confirmed
Salem
Let me cast a spell on you! Hi there, I’m Salem. I'm a highly curious boy on a mission to find my forever home! I am a big fan of toys, treats, and re…
Animal Protection Society of Durham • Durham, NC
Senior confirmed
Sonny
Hello! My name is Sonny, and I may be a little shy when we first meet, so please give me a little time to warm up. I’m a sweet boy that likes pets, ex…
Animal Protection Society of Durham • Durham, NC
10+ years
DAISY MAE
I arrived at the shelter as a stray, so my history is mostly a mystery. I'm sweet and I'm excited to find a loving home where I can live my best life …
Orange County Animal Services • Chapel Hill, NC
Senior confirmed
DOZER
DOZER is a senior male German Shepherd Dog / Labrador Retriever, large, at Catawba County Animal Care and Control in Newton, NC. Senior dogs make wond…
Catawba County Animal Care and Control • Newton, NC
Senior confirmed
SAM
SAM is a senior male Hound of medium size at Catawba County Animal Care and Control in Newton, NC. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Catawba County Animal Care and Control • Newton, NC
Senior confirmed
Buddy Blue
Buddy Blue is a 7 year old, 68 lb Lab mix with a heart as big as his name and a gentle, affectionate nature that shines through even after all he’s ov…
CrisisDogsNC • Spring Lake, NC
10+ years
STAR
STAR is a senior female Hound of medium size at Catawba County Animal Care and Control in Newton, NC. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Catawba County Animal Care and Control • Newton, NC
Senior confirmed
Sunni
Sunni is an 8 year old Yorkie mix, he weighs 9.6 pounds. Sunni's human mommy had to give him up for health reasons and we want to find him the perfect…
Surry Animal Rescue • Mount Airy, NC
10+ years
Domino
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
Leo (Courtesy)
Leo is a blue nose Pitbull color fawn He is neutered and does well with older children (10+) but not younger. He is ok with other dogs, but they have …
Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, NC
Senior confirmed
Twiggy
Sweet sweet sticks!! I’m a bit of a nervous girl but I’m trying my best to be brave! I am very curious and like to explore new places and new things. …
Animal Protection Society of Durham • Durham, NC
Senior confirmed
JADA
JADA is a senior female Pit Bull Terrier, medium-sized, located in Wilmington, NC at New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Animal Services Unit. Senior …
New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Animal Services Unit • Wilmington, NC
Senior confirmed
Lorelai Daisy
Pawfect Match rescued me and my 1 puppy. I am still being the best Mom I can be but once I am done with my momma duties I will be spayed and available…
Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, NC
Senior confirmed
PONCHO
Poncho is a sweet, handsome, and affectionate boy who loves people and enjoys playtime. He has a friendly, loving personality and is always ready for …
Burlington Adoption Center • Haw River, NC
Senior confirmed
Chipmunk
Squeak squeak!! It’s me, Chipmunk! I’m a sensitive, playful, and handsome (if I do say so myself!) guy who loves my people! I’m looking for people who…
Animal Protection Society of Durham • Durham, 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.
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Services — Charlotte, North Carolina · See Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Pawfect Match Rescue — Holly Springs, North Carolina · See Pawfect Match Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Guilford County Animal Services — Greensbo, North Carolina · See Guilford County Animal Services ’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog Rescue — Thomasville, North Carolina · See Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue inc — Middlesex, North Carolina · See Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue inc’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Best Friend Pet Adoption — Cary, North Carolina · See Best Friend Pet Adoption’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Burlington Adoption Center — Haw River, North Carolina · See Burlington Adoption Center’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
- SPCA of Wake County — Raleigh, North Carolina · See SPCA of Wake County’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
- CrisisDogsNC — Spring Lake, North Carolina · See CrisisDogsNC’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue — Rutherfordton, North Carolina · See Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue’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
- Gram Rescue Ranch — Winston Salem, North Carolina · See Gram Rescue Ranch’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville — Candler, North Carolina · See Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Animal Protection Society of Durham — Durham, North Carolina · See Animal Protection Society of Durham’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Orange County Animal Services — Chapel Hill, North Carolina · See Orange County Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Atlantic Rottweiler Rescue Foundation — Mooresville, North Carolina · See Atlantic Rottweiler Rescue Foundation’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Carolina Animal Rescue And Adoption — Sanford, North Carolina · See Carolina Animal Rescue And Adoption’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Iredell County Animal Services and Control Department — Statesville, North Carolina · See Iredell County Animal Services and Control Department’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Piedmont Animal Rescue — Mooresville, North Carolina · See Piedmont Animal Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Freedom German Shepherd Rescue — La Grange , North Carolina · See Freedom German Shepherd Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Happy Hills Animal Foundation — Staley, North Carolina · See Happy Hills Animal Foundation’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Animal Services Unit — Wilmington, North Carolina · See New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Animal Services Unit’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
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.