Senior confirmed
Senior dogs in Tennessee
Senior dogs for adoption in Tennessee
Meet 68 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 61–68 of 68 below.
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.
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.
21 shelters and rescues in Tennessee currently list senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance.
How adoption works in Tennessee
Tennessee's dogs are posted mostly by rescue groups, with Chattanooga, Nashville and Franklin accounting for many listings. A rescue group tends to keep dogs in foster homes and begins with an application, while a municipal shelter usually keeps walk-in hours and lets you meet dogs without an appointment.
Find a dog, open the profile, and contact the organization listed. There is usually an application or a conversation, then a meet and greet, and an adoption fee set by that organization, which often covers spay or neuter and vaccinations. With listings concentrated in a few cities, many groups help arrange transport within Tennessee for the right match. The organization on the profile can answer questions about that dog's history, requirements and availability.
Available senior dogs in Tennessee
68 senior dogs available in Tennessee.
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Dougie
Dougie came into rescue because his humans were having severe health issues. He is a friendly, cuddly, slobbery sweetheart. Dougie is house-trained an…
Focus on Cumberland County Animal Safety (FOCCAS) • Crossville, TN
Senior confirmed
Hotdog Buddy
If you are looking for a professional true crime watcher and lap sitter look no further! Since you’re reading this, you’re obviously looking for a new…
Focus on Cumberland County Animal Safety (FOCCAS) • Crossville, TN
10+ years
Girly
Girly is a docile, friendly senior dog. She recently lost her human family and her lifelong doggy mate. She is looking for someone who will love her u…
Focus on Cumberland County Animal Safety (FOCCAS) • Crossville, TN
Senior confirmed
Petty
Petty, aka "Max" is a lovable young senior dog looking for a retired or work-at-home human/family to share the rest of his life with. He has been thre…
Focus on Cumberland County Animal Safety (FOCCAS) • Crossville, TN
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 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 (opens in a new tab) — Chattanooga, Tennessee · See McKamey Animal Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Russell Rescue, Inc. (opens in a new tab) — Columbia, Tennessee · See Russell Rescue, Inc.’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- All American Dachshund Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Shelbyville, Tennessee · See All American Dachshund Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Focus on Cumberland County Animal Safety (FOCCAS) (opens in a new tab) — Crossville, Tennessee · See Focus on Cumberland County Animal Safety (FOCCAS)’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- ccactn.org (opens in a new tab) · See ccactn.org’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Dogs 2nd Chance (opens in a new tab) — Munford, Tennessee · See Dogs 2nd Chance’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Pet Placement Center (opens in a new tab) — Chattanooga, Tennessee · See Pet Placement Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Almost Home Animal Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Maryville, Tennessee · See Almost Home Animal Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Critter Cavalry Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Franklin, Tennessee · See Critter Cavalry Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Friends of Dogs - Chattanooga TN (opens in a new tab) — Chattanooga, Tennessee · See Friends of Dogs - Chattanooga TN’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Maryville Alcoa Animal Rescue Center (opens in a new tab) — Maryville, Tennessee · See Maryville Alcoa Animal Rescue Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- White County Animal Shelter (opens in a new tab) — Sparta, Tennessee · See White County Animal Shelter’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- A.A.R.F. - All About Rescue and Fixin' Inc. (opens in a new tab) — Cookeville, Tennessee · See A.A.R.F. - All About Rescue and Fixin' Inc.’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- animalshelter-sullivancounty.org (opens in a new tab) · See animalshelter-sullivancounty.org’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- East Ridge Animal Shelter (opens in a new tab) — Chattanooga, Tennessee · See East Ridge Animal Shelter’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- gchumanesociety.com (opens in a new tab) · See gchumanesociety.com’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
- Joyful Pets (opens in a new tab) · See Joyful Pets’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
- Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue (opens in a new tab) — Nashville, Tennessee · See Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Shelter Animals Rescue Group (opens in a new tab) — Oak Ridge, Tennessee · See Shelter Animals Rescue Group’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
Low-cost spay, neuter and vet care in Tennessee
Programs that help Tennessee 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 / neuterSpay Tennessee (opens in a new tab) (statewide) — Nonprofit connecting Tennessee residents with affordable spay and neuter services in most counties.
- Spay / neuterPet Community Center, Spay and Neuter (opens in a new tab) — Nashville nonprofit clinic offering affordable spay and neuter surgery with assistance for qualifying Davidson County residents.
- Low-cost vet careYoung-Williams Animal Center, Low-Cost Care Clinic (opens in a new tab) — Knoxville clinic providing affordable preventative and wellness veterinary care, excluding emergencies.
- Low-cost vet careHumane Society of Memphis & Shelby County, Low-Cost Community Vet Clinic (opens in a new tab) — Affordable non-emergency veterinary care for Memphis and Shelby County pet owners receiving income assistance.
- Spay / neuterChattaNEUTER (opens in a new tab) — Chattanooga clinic offering low-cost spay and neuter surgery for dogs and cats.
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.
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 Tennessee who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.