Senior confirmed
Petunia
Beaufort County Animal Control • Greenville, NC
Senior dogs in North Carolina
Senior dogs for adoption 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 151–180 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.
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
214 senior dogs available in North Carolina.
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
Luna
Meet Luna. She’s a 9-year-old Shepherd mix who weighs about 45 pounds, and she’s just an easygoing, mellow gal to have around the house. Luna already …
Greater Charlotte SPCA • Charlotte, NC
At Risk
Opal
Opal is a very special 8 year old Chihuahua/Rat Terrier mix, she only weighs about 12 pounds. Our rescue girls were at a pet fair with the girls from …
Surry Animal Rescue • Mount Airy, NC
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Charlie
Charlie is a sweet little Dachshund mix who came from a breeder surrender, and he’s ready to discover just how wonderful life can be outside that worl…
Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, NC
Senior confirmed
Snapper
Delightfully Derpy Meet Snapper, a lovable 7-year-old long-haired Chihuahua mix with a delightfully derpy smile, a big snuggle agenda, and a soft spot…
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
Updated recently
Boo Boo
Boo Boo requires an approved Best Friend Pet Adoption application. PLEASE submit an application now at: The link to our application is https://toolkit…
Best Friend Pet Adoption • Cary, NC
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Classy
Meet Classy – Your Loyal Best Friend. If you’ve ever wanted a dog who truly wants to be your partner in life, meet Classy. This beautiful 7 year old, …
Freedom German Shepherd Rescue • La Grange, NC
Senior confirmed
Coco
Hi! We are Coco and Bella. We are Aussie Doodles. I am 8 and Bella is 9 yrs. old. We are a friendly duo with fun personalities. We are looking for a h…
Rescue Ur Forever Friend • Garner, NC
Senior confirmed
Bella Doodle
Hi! We are Bella and Coco. We are Aussie Doodles. I am 9 and Coco is 8 years old. We are a friendly duo with fun personalities. We are looking for a h…
Rescue Ur Forever Friend • Garner, NC
10+ years
Marlin
Marlin is a 12-13 year old, 15 lb mini poodle mix with the heart of a much younger dog and the charm of a seasoned companion! Quick Facts: Name: Marli…
CrisisDogsNC • Spring Lake, NC
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Jinxy
Jinxy is the total package: Handsome, well-mannered, and a wonderful companion! Quick Facts: Name: Jinxy Breed: Shih Tzu/Poodle Mix Age: 9 years old W…
CrisisDogsNC • Spring Lake, NC
Senior confirmed
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Edwin
Word gets around..... the Golden Bachelor is in town and he's looking for LOVE. Handsome Edwin has already lived a life of fun and happiness but he's …
Rescue Ur Forever Friend • Garner, NC
10+ years
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
10+ years
Happy
Faith Hope and Love Animal Rescue NC • Salisbury, NC
Senior confirmed
Cooper
Meet Cooper Cooper is a stunning, approximately 63-pound boy with soft gray fur, adorable white markings, and the cutest little underbite. Pictures tr…
Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, NC
Senior confirmed
Crosby
Hi my name is Crosbyi am a sweet girl Once you get to know me. I am very scared of you and my first instinct is to snip and snap when I'm scared you h…
Atlantic Rottweiler Rescue Foundation • Mooresville, 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
At Risk
Mickey
Hi, I’m Mickey! I came to the rescue after running out of time at an overcrowded shelter, and while my rescue family takes amazing care of me, I’m so …
Atlantic Rottweiler Rescue Foundation • Mooresville, NC
Senior confirmed
Evelyn
Evelyn is one spunky + fun senior lady! She has the time of her life as she romps around in the play yard! Loves treats + will tell you if you are tak…
Charlotte Animal Care and Control • Charlotte, 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Burlington Adoption Center (opens in a new tab) — Haw River, North Carolina · See Burlington Adoption Center’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
- Piedmont Animal Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Mooresville, North Carolina · See Piedmont Animal Rescue’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
- 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
- Gram Rescue Ranch (opens in a new tab) — Winston Salem, North Carolina · See Gram Rescue Ranch’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
- 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
- Freedom Ride Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Raleigh area, North Carolina · See Freedom Ride Rescue’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
- yanceyhumanesociety.org (opens in a new tab) — Burnsville, North Carolina · See yanceyhumanesociety.org’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
- Cumberland County Animal Control — Fayetteville, North Carolina · See Cumberland County Animal Control’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
- foothillshumanesociety.org (opens in a new tab) · See foothillshumanesociety.org’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Greater Charlotte SPCA (opens in a new tab) — Charlotte, North Carolina · See Greater Charlotte SPCA’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Haywood County Animal Shelter (opens in a new tab) — Clyde, North Carolina · See Haywood County Animal Shelter’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.
Guides to help you decide
Getting started
Why Adopt a Senior Dog? 7 Reasons Older Dogs Make Wonderful Companions
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 ageHow Old Is a "Senior" Dog? Senior Age by Breed and Size
A 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 & healthCaring for a Senior Dog: Health, Diet, and Everyday Comfort
How 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 readKnow a senior dog in North Carolina who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.