Senior confirmed
Buddy
Friends of Dogs - Chattanooga TN • Chattanooga, TN
Senior dogs near Chattanooga
Senior dogs for adoption in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Meet 27 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in and around Chattanooga. Each one is from a local shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love.
Senior dogs (age 7 and up) wait far longer for homes than puppies, even though they're usually house-trained, settled in temperament, and happy to nap at your feet. Adopting an older dog in and around Chattanooga, Tennessee means a grateful companion close to home — and often a shorter drive to meet them in person. Always confirm availability and adoption steps directly with the shelter or rescue.
Last updated October 18, 2026 at 10:47 AM EDT. Listings refresh throughout the day. Always confirm a dog’s availability with the shelter or rescue before making plans.
Available senior dogs in Chattanooga, Tennessee
27 senior dogs available in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Senior confirmed
Arya
Friends of Dogs - Chattanooga TN • Chattanooga, TN
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Elsie
Heartworms-Managed with Moxi-Doxy · Heartworm Positive · Not Good with Cats · I've Been A Foster Pet · Housetrained · May be good with most dogs · Has…
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Nibbler
Playgroup attendee! · I'm a smart cookie! I know some commands. · Awaiting Canine Foster · Housetrained
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Kodiak (ON)
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Madeleine
Heartworm Positive · Heartworms-Managed with Moxi-Doxy
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Duke
Heartworm Positive · Heartworm positive, not yet given ProHeart6
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Zeus
Has lived with dogs · Has Lived with Cats · May be good with most dogs · Demodectic mange · Mass- undiagnosed · Playgroup attendee!
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
10+ years
Sapphire
Has Lived with Cats · Has lived with dogs · May be good with most dogs · Demodectic mange
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Hercules
May be good with most dogs · Loves Squeaker Toys · Waterbug! Loves to splash, swim, and/or snorkel! · Meet and Greet Recommended with Other Dogs · See…
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Aubrey
Heartworm Positive · Heartworms-Managed with Moxi-Doxy · May be good with most dogs · Playgroup attendee!
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Arlo
Heartworm Positive · Heartworms-Managed with Moxi-Doxy · Mass- undiagnosed · Hospice adoption · May be good with most dogs
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Jimbo
Heartworm Positive · Heartworms-Managed with Moxi-Doxy · May be good with most dogs · Playgroup attendee!
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Spike
Low-Speed Walks Only · Orthopedic · I'm a smart cookie! I know some commands. · May be good with most dogs
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Jethro
Lap Dog · Has lived with dogs · I love car rides! · Seems Housetrained
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Chloe
Friends of Dogs - Chattanooga TN • Chattanooga, TN
10+ years
10+ years
Briggs
Seems Housetrained · Heart Murmur · Mass- undiagnosed · Certified Couch Potato · May be good with most dogs · Playgroup attendee!
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Rupert
May be OK with Kids (8 yrs and older) · Orthopedic · Shy at First · Not Good with Cats · Has lived with dogs · Housetrained · I love car rides! · I li…
McKamey Animal Center • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
10+ years
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
Other cities in Tennessee
Adopting a senior dog in Chattanooga — 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 Chattanooga?
Open any dog's profile to see the shelter or rescue caring for them near Chattanooga, Tennessee, then use the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization. Lily's Second Chance simply gathers local senior dogs in one place so they're easier to find.
Are there always senior dogs available in Chattanooga?
Availability changes often as dogs are adopted and new ones are listed. If you don't see a senior dog in Chattanooga right now, check back soon or browse all of Tennessee — new dogs are added regularly.
How much does it cost to adopt a senior dog near Chattanooga?
Adoption fees vary by organization, but senior dogs are frequently discounted or sponsored because they wait the longest. Open a dog's profile or contact the shelter or rescue directly for their current fee and any covered vet care.
What should I expect when I bring a newly adopted senior dog home?
Most senior dogs have a brief adjustment period — a few days to a couple of weeks — as they settle into a new home. They're often shy at first, then relax once they feel safe. A calm routine, a comfortable place to rest, and patience make the transition easier for both of you.
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 near Chattanooga who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.