Lily’s Second Chance

Senior dogs in South Carolina

Senior dogs for adoption in South Carolina

Meet 72 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in South Carolina. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love. Showing 1–30 of 72 below.

Last updated August 21, 2026 at 12:26 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 South 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 South Carolina

Senior confirmed
Red, adoptable senior Dachshund in York, SC

Red

Dachshund • ♂ Male • Small • 8 years

Red is a happy go lucky little guy and is 8 years old and 13 pounds. He will fit in to many families and be a great companion. He is a lap dog that is…

Richardson Rescue • York, SC

View profileView Adoption Page ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Senior confirmed
Duncan, adoptable senior Hound in Lake Wylie, SC

Duncan

Hound • ♂ Male • Large • 7 years

Duncan is 7-8 years old, 63 lbs This dog is TO DIE FOR. He is PERECT. he learned dog door in a day, walks on a a leash, housebroken, can be left all d…

Jesse's Place Rescue INC • Lake Wylie, SC

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10+ years
Laverne, adoptable senior Terrier in Greenville, SC

Laverne

Terrier • ♀ Female • 10 years

Meet Laverne! Meet this adorable pup with the cutest little smile and a heart full of love. She’s a gentle, affectionate girl who absolutely loves to …

Lucky Pup Rescue SC • Greenville, SC

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Senior confirmed
Burke, adoptable senior Labrador Retriever in Hilton Head, SC

Burke

Labrador Retriever • ♀ Female • Large • 7 years

Meet Burke! Burke is a wonderful 7.5-year-old Yellow Lab mix weighing 52 pounds. With her beautiful golden coat and sweet, friendly demeanor, she embo…

Hilton Head Humane Association • Hilton Head, SC

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Senior dogs in South Carolina by breed

Poodle8Labrador Retriever7Mixed Breed5Dachshund5Pit Bull Terrier5Golden Retriever4Terrier4Shepherd4Chihuahua3Staffordshire Terrier3Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie3Shih Tzu2

Senior dogs in South Carolina by city

Spartanburg14Pacolet13Greenville9Hilton Head7York5Lake Wylie4Mccormick4Summerville3Columbia2Conway2Mcclellanville2North Myrtle Beach2

Shelters & rescues with senior dogs in South Carolina

These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.

Senior dogs in other states

California1269Texas857Florida580Arizona302North Carolina258Colorado168New York165Maryland163Nevada156Illinois140Utah136Georgia127
All statesBrowse by breed

Adopting a senior dog in South 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 South 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 South 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 South Carolina?

Yes. Most shelters and rescues in South Carolina welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport within South 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 South 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 South Carolina instead of adopting?

Many shelters and rescues in South 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 South 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 South Carolina who needs a home?

Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.

Submit a senior dogBrowse resources

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