Senior dogs 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 91–120 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.
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.
214 senior dogs available in North Carolina.
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
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
Meet Roxy! 15 years young and still full of love to give! Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn, and through no fault of her own, sweet Roxy finds h…
Piedmont Animal Rescue • Mooresville, NC
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
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
Hugh was owner surrendered to us. He is super sweet and playful and seems to get along with other dogs. Unfortunately, Hugh does not like men. Please …
Stanly County Humane Society, Inc • Albemarle, NC
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
THE THEORY OF PAWFECT LOVE... MEET ISAAC NEWTON! Forget the laws of physics, because Sir Isaac Newton is here to prove that love is the strongest forc…
Mitchell Mill Animal Hospital Rescue Inc • Raleigh, NC
Nikko is a sweet, loving Treeing Walker Coonhound who we rescued 5 years ago after being abandoned as a puppy and on his own for the first year of his…
Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog Rescue • Thomasville, NC
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
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
Meet Valentino! At 12 years young, Valentino is a handsome, sweet boy looking for his forever home where he can enjoy his golden years surrounded by l…
Piedmont Animal Rescue • Mooresville, NC
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
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
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
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
These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ageA 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 & healthHow 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 readShelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.
