10+ years
Cher
Cher came to us as a very underweight stray, but despite everything she had been through, she remained calm, gentle and incredibly sweet. She is estim…
East Ridge Animal Shelter • East Ridge, TN
Senior dogs in Tennessee
Senior dogs for adoption in Tennessee
Meet 71 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in Tennessee. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love. Showing 1–30 of 71 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee
10+ years
10+ years
Doug
May be OK with PreTeens & Teens · Seems Housetrained · Mass- undiagnosed
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Snoop
God's Dogs Rescue of TX in TN Transport Stop • Nashville, TN
Senior confirmed
Duke Jackson
Goofy Foot Dog Rescue - Jackson, TN • Jackson, TN
Senior confirmed
Charlie Brown
God's Dogs Rescue of TX in TN Transport Stop • Nashville, TN
Senior confirmed
Ethel
animalshelter-sullivancounty.org • Blountville, TN
Senior confirmed
Marge
Goofy Foot Dog Rescue - Jackson, TN • Jackson, TN
10+ years
Vince~
Meet Vince – The Little Dog with the Biggest Personality! Don’t let his age fool you—Vince is proof that life gets better with experience! This adorab…
Russell Rescue, Inc. • Columbia, TN
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Piper
I like to lay down in my crate - even without being asked to do so.
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Lady
Heartworm Positive · Heartworms-Managed with Moxi-Doxy · Housetrained · Low-Speed Walks Only · Meet and Greet Recommended with Other Dogs · Slumber Pa…
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Tuna
Blind or visually impaired · I have playgroup friends! · I'm in Puppy Playgroups!! · May be OK with Kids (8 yrs and older) · Seems Housetrained
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Nibbler
Awaiting Canine Foster · I have playgroup friends! · I'm in Puppy Playgroups!! · I'm a smart cookie! I know some commands. · Seems Housetrained
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Elsie
Heartworms-Managed with Moxi-Doxy · Heartworm Positive · Not Good with Cats · I've Been A Foster Pet · Housetrained
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
CeCe
May be OK with Kids (8 yrs and older) · Shy at First · I'm a smart cookie! I know some commands. · Orthopedic · I love car rides! · Housetrained · I'v…
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Annie - MEET ME @ PETCO 8/8!
This dog is in Tennessee. Adoption Donation $100 if picked up in TN, $175 plus transport fee for out-of-state adoptions. If you've ever wished for a t…
A.A.R.F. - All About Rescue and Fixin' Inc. • Cookeville, TN
10+ years
Roo
This dog is in Tennessee. Adoption Donation $100 if picked up in TN, $175 plus transport fee for out-of-state adoptions. Introducing Roo! This charmin…
A.A.R.F. - All About Rescue and Fixin' Inc. • Cookeville, TN
Senior confirmed
Buckshot
SPCA of Bradley County TN • Cleveland, TN
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Gracie
Gracie is a courtesy listing, not in the AARF foster program, and we are posting online to help the owner find a home for them. Please visit http://aa…
A.A.R.F. - All About Rescue and Fixin' Inc. • Cookeville, TN
10+ years
BO
Bo is a special little senior white Bichon Frise boy who is 11 years young and weighs 16 pounds. A solid little spry and bouncy boy that loves to cudd…
Critter Cavalry Rescue • Franklin, TN
Senior confirmed
Peanut
☀️ Peanut: Small Name, Endless Joy ☀️Peanut is a 7-year-old Pit Bull mix weighing 45 lbs, and in a very short time, she’s completely stolen the hearts…
Maryville Alcoa Animal Rescue Center • Maryville, TN
Senior dogs in Tennessee by breed
Senior dogs in Tennessee by city
Shelters & rescues with senior dogs in Tennessee
These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.
- McKamey Animal Center — Chattanooga, Tennessee · See McKamey Animal Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Russell Rescue, Inc. — Columbia, Tennessee · See Russell Rescue, Inc.’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- All American Dachshund Rescue — Shelbyville, Tennessee · See All American Dachshund Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue — Nashville, Tennessee · See Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- SPCA of Bradley County TN — Cleveland, Tennessee · See SPCA of Bradley County TN’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- A.A.R.F. - All About Rescue and Fixin' Inc. — Cookeville, Tennessee · See A.A.R.F. - All About Rescue and Fixin' Inc.’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Pet Placement Center — Chattanooga, Tennessee · See Pet Placement Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Critter Cavalry Rescue — Franklin, Tennessee · See Critter Cavalry Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Dogs 2nd Chance — Munford, Tennessee · See Dogs 2nd Chance’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue — Chattanooga, Tennessee · See Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Almost Home Animal Rescue — Maryville, Tennessee · See Almost Home Animal Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- God's Dogs Rescue of TX in TN Transport Stop — Nashville, Tennessee · See God's Dogs Rescue of TX in TN Transport Stop’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Goofy Foot Dog Rescue - Jackson, TN — Jackson, Tennessee · See Goofy Foot Dog Rescue - Jackson, TN’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Last Chance Pet Rescue, Inc — White Bluff, Tennessee · See Last Chance Pet Rescue, Inc’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Shelter Animals Rescue Group — Oak Ridge, Tennessee · See Shelter Animals Rescue Group’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- animalshelter-sullivancounty.org · See animalshelter-sullivancounty.org’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- East Ridge Animal Shelter — Chattanooga, Tennessee · See East Ridge Animal Shelter’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Happy Dog Rescue — Germanton, Tennessee · See Happy Dog Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Humphreys County Humane Society — Waverly, Tennessee · See Humphreys County Humane Society’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Maryville Alcoa Animal Rescue Center — Maryville, Tennessee · See Maryville Alcoa Animal Rescue Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
Senior dogs in other states
Adopting a senior dog in Tennessee — 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 Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Yes. Most shelters and rescues in Tennessee welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport within Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
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 Tennessee instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues in Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.