Senior confirmed
Sassy
Meet Sassy! She is an 8 year old beagle mix. She weighs about 30lbs. She is dog and cat friendly. She is completely vetted and ready to find her forev…
Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog Rescue • Thomasville, NC
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 91–120 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
Drogos
Drogos is a 9 year old Anatolian shepherd mix. He is 106 lbs of pure sweetness! He is gentle, quiet, and loving. He is house trained and crate trained…
Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog Rescue • Thomasville, NC
Senior confirmed
HARLEY
HARLEY is a senior male Pit Bull Terrier, a large dog at Catawba County Animal Care and Control in Newton, NC. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Catawba County Animal Care and Control • Newton, 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
Senior confirmed
4007 - 2026 Ava
ON MEDICAL HOLD another update: On exam for her spay the vet detected a heart arrythmia. She has an appointment in 3 weeks with a cardiologist. This w…
Pug Rescue of North Carolina, Inc. • Elizabeth City, NC
Senior confirmed
Lina
Lina is a 7-year-old, 12-pound terrier mix with a big personality packed into a tiny body. Originally a semi-feral pup from Cherokee, NC, Lina has com…
Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC
Senior confirmed
Doug (In Foster)
I am a laid-back senior gentleman looking for a comfortable home to call my own. I get along well with dogs, cats, and children, and I enjoy the simpl…
Carolina Animal Rescue And Adoption • Sanford, 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
Rusty
Meet Rusty At 15 years old, Rusty finds himself in a place no senior dog should be—facing uncertainty as his beloved owner enters hospice care. Rusty …
Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue inc • Middlesex, NC
10+ years
LiLi
Li Li is a 14-year-old Shih-Tzu mix with a heart full of love. She was deeply cherished by her owner, who, heartbreakingly, was deported. Before leavi…
Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue inc • Middlesex, NC
10+ years
Pierre
INTERESTED IN MEETING OR ADOPTING PIERRE from Best Friend Pet Adoption rescue? If so, please fill out our dog adoption application by copying and past…
Best Friend Pet Adoption • Cary, NC
At Risk
Lester
Meet Lester – A Gentle Soul Looking for His New Home Don’t let the “senior” label fool you—Lester still has plenty of love, curiosity, and companionsh…
Best Friend Pet Adoption • Cary, 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
Otto Jones
Meet Otto Jones — a 12‑year‑old, 11 lb. miniature Poodle mix who is as adorable as his name suggests! Quick Facts: Name: Otto Jones Breed: Miniature P…
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 [email protected] or (704) 61…
Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue • Rutherfordton, NC
Senior confirmed
Lady Gabby
Lady Gabby — The Rotti Duchess Age: Golden years (but she still believes she’s 3) Titles she prefers: Gabs, Your Grace, Snacky Snacks Seeking a duke (…
Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, 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
FOXY
FOXY is a senior female Mastiff at Cumberland County Animal Control in Fayetteville, NC. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Cumberland County Animal Control • Fayetteville, NC
10+ years
Rosie
Meet Rosie – Our Brave Little Girl is available for adoption Rosie is an 11-year-old Yorkie with a gentle spirit and so much love to give. This sweet …
Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue inc • Middlesex, NC
10+ years
Orry
Meet this handsome senior soul who is ready to find his forever home. This 10 year old German Shepherd may be blind, but he does not let that slow him…
Perfectly Imperfect Pups • Raleigh, NC
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
DRAKE
DRAKE is a senior male American Staffordshire Terrier, large, located in Raleigh, NC at the SPCA of Wake County. Senior dogs make wonderful companions…
SPCA of Wake County • Raleigh, NC
Senior confirmed
FROSTY
FROSTY is a senior male Pit Bull Terrier, medium-sized, at Cumberland County Animal Control in Fayetteville, NC. Senior dogs make wonderful companions…
Cumberland County Animal Control • Fayetteville, 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
Tanzi
Meet Tanzi! She's eight years old and weighs 8lbs. She's a very sweet and snuggly lapdog. She is on seizure medication daily and her seizures are well…
Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog Rescue • Thomasville, 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
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
Link
Meet Link! Link is about an 8 year old Lab mix. He weighs around 70lbs. He is great with children, other dogs, and cats! He is house trained, crate tr…
Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog Rescue • Thomasville, NC
10+ years
Bear
BEAR AND REBEL ARE ADORABLE SENIORS. THEY COME AS A READY-MADE-PAIR THAT ARE COMFORTABLE, COMPATIBLE AND DEEPLY CONNECTED. PLEASE ALSO VIEW HIS BUDDY …
Best Friend Pet Adoption • Cary, 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.