Senior confirmed
Griffon
COURTESY LISTING IN VERMONT Meet Griffon! Griffon is 6 1/2 years old, male (approx. DOB 10-25-18), 46 lbs., vetted, is or will be spayed and micro-chi…
Passion 4 Paws • Shelburne, VT
Senior dogs in Vermont
Senior dogs for adoption in Vermont
Meet 14 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in Vermont. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love.
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 Vermont 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.
4 shelters and rescues in Vermont currently list senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance.
How adoption works in Vermont
Few dogs are listed in Vermont at once, and they come from an even mix of municipal shelters, humane societies and rescue groups around Shelburne, Pittsford and Arlington. Shelters and humane societies often have walk-in hours where you can meet dogs the same day, whereas rescue groups tend to keep dogs in foster homes and start with an application.
Open the profile and contact the organization that has the dog. Expect an application or a conversation, a meet and greet, and an adoption fee set by that organization, which often covers spay or neuter and vaccinations. With listings clustered in a few towns, many groups help arrange transport within Vermont for the right match. Ask the organization on the profile about that dog's history, requirements and availability.
Available senior dogs in Vermont
14 senior dogs available in Vermont.
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Caesar
IN VERMONT Meet Caesar! More pictures and video below or to come! Caesar is 8 years old, male (approx. DOB TBD), 18 lbs., vetted, is or will be neuter…
Passion 4 Paws • Shelburne, VT
At Risk
Zara
IN NEED OF LOCAL FOSTER OR ADOPTER / AVAILABLE FOR FOSTER TO ADOPT Meet Zara! More pictures and video below or to come! https://youtu.be/Ozf7_cgUO7k a…
Passion 4 Paws • Shelburne, VT
Senior confirmed
Cleo
IN NEED OF LOCAL FOSTER OR ADOPTER / AVAILABLE FOR FOSTER TO ADOPT Meet Cleo! More pictures and video below or to come! Cleo is almost 9 years old, fe…
Passion 4 Paws • Shelburne, VT
Senior confirmed
Olivia
IN NEED OF LOCAL FOSTER OR ADOPTER / AVAILABLE FOR FOSTER TO ADOPT Meet Olivia! More pictures and video below or to come! https://youtu.be/f6U4OnjhP8s…
Passion 4 Paws • Shelburne, VT
Senior confirmed
Nick
IN VERMONT IN NEED OF LOCAL FOSTER OR ADOPTER / AVAILABLE FOR FOSTER TO ADOPT Meet Nick! https://youtu.be/Rwscsx9JlXo Nick is almost 7 years old, male…
Passion 4 Paws • Shelburne, VT
Senior confirmed
Cookie
IN NEED OF LOCAL FOSTER OR ADOPTER / AVAILABLE FOR FOSTER TO ADOPT Meet Cookie! Cookie is 9 years old, female (approx. DOB tbd), 54 lbs., vetted, is o…
Passion 4 Paws • Shelburne, VT
10+ years
Harley
IN VERMONT < 3 Meet Harley (of Harley & Teddy) More pictures and video below or to come! Harley is 11 years old (seems much younger -need 2nd opinion …
Passion 4 Paws • Shelburne, VT
Senior confirmed
Tommy
IN VERMONT Meet Tommy! https://youtu.be/3NLv8FNB8_o Tommy is 6 years old, male (approx. DOB 1-25-19), 60 lbs., vetted, is or will be neutered, and mic…
Passion 4 Paws • Shelburne, VT
Senior confirmed
Martha Stu
IN NEED OF LOCAL FOSTER OR ADOPTER / AVAILABLE FOR FOSTER TO ADOPT Meet Martha Stu! More pictures and video below or to come! Martha Stu is almost 8 y…
Passion 4 Paws • Shelburne, VT
10+ years
Mocha
This gorgeous lady's name is Mocha! Mocha is a ten to twelve year old America Shelter Dog who still has plenty of spunk and energy for her age. She wo…
Second Chance Animal Center • Arlington, VT
10+ years
Teddy
IN VERMONT < 3 Meet Teddy! (of Harley & Teddy) More pictures and video below or to come! Teddy is 13 years old (seems much younger -need 2nd opinion),…
Passion 4 Paws • Shelburne, VT
Updated recently
Ellie
Central Vermont Humane Society • Montpelier, VT
Senior dogs in Vermont by breed
Senior dogs in Vermont by city
Shelters & rescues with senior dogs in Vermont
These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.
- Passion 4 Paws (opens in a new tab) — Shelburne, Vermont · See Passion 4 Paws’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Central Vermont Humane Society (opens in a new tab) — East Montpelier, Vermont · See Central Vermont Humane Society’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Paws of Dixie Animal Rescue - VT (opens in a new tab) — Brattleboro, Vermont · See Paws of Dixie Animal Rescue - VT’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Second Chance Animal Center (opens in a new tab) — Arlington, Vermont · See Second Chance Animal Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
Low-cost spay, neuter and vet care in Vermont
Programs that help Vermont adopters keep a dog healthy on a budget. Each page was checked on 2026-09-10; confirm current hours and eligibility with the organization.
- Help paying for careVermont Department for Children and Families, Vermont Spay Neuter Incentive Program (VSNIP) (opens in a new tab) (statewide) — State voucher program that covers most of the cost of spay and neuter surgery for eligible low-income Vermonters.
- Spay / neuterVT-CAN! (opens in a new tab) — Nonprofit spay and neuter clinic in Middlesex providing affordable surgery for cats and dogs.
- Spay / neuterHumane Society of Chittenden County, Community Pet Clinic Spay/Neuter (opens in a new tab) — Spay and neuter surgery for owned cats and dogs at the South Burlington community clinic.
- Low-cost vet careHumane Society of Chittenden County, Community Pet Clinic (opens in a new tab) — Low-cost wellness visits, vaccines and surgery for owned cats and dogs in the Burlington area.
- Spay / neuterVermont Humane Federation, Spay & Neuter (opens in a new tab) (statewide) — Statewide information on low-cost spay and neuter options for Vermont pet owners.
Senior dogs in other states
Adopting a senior dog in Vermont — 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 Vermont?
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 Vermont?
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 Vermont?
Yes. Most shelters and rescues in Vermont welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport within Vermont 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 Vermont?
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 Vermont instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues in Vermont 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 Vermont 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 Vermont who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.