Odessa
Odessa is a Collie/Setter mix. She was found as a stray in rural area of Southern VA. She is a very nice dog that gets along with everyone. She loves …
A Forever Home Rescue Foundation • Chantilly, VA
Senior dogs in Virginia
Meet 105 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in Virginia. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love. Showing 91–105 of 105 below.
Last updated August 21, 2026 at 1:50 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 Virginia 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.
Odessa is a Collie/Setter mix. She was found as a stray in rural area of Southern VA. She is a very nice dog that gets along with everyone. She loves …
A Forever Home Rescue Foundation • Chantilly, VA
Maddox (12.8 lbs) and Zoey (12.4 lbs) are Yorkiepoos and were given up by their owner because of health issues. Both are friendly and sweet. Maddox is…
A Forever Home Rescue Foundation • Chantilly, VA
Maddox (12.8 lbs) and Zoey (12.4 lbs) are Yorkiepoos and were given up by their owner because of health issues. Both are friendly and sweet. Maddox is…
A Forever Home Rescue Foundation • Chantilly, VA
Boyd is a beauty! He is 10 years old and a chonky 17 pounds. Boyd is a total sweetheart. He rides quietly in the car and is crate trained. He was very…
Oldies But Goodies Cocker Rescue, Inc • Arlington, VA
Some dogs are the life of the party. Sugar would rather be the friend who quietly sits beside you, listens without judgment, and is always there when …
Friends of Campbell County Animal Control • Rustburg, VA
Meet Happy! Don't let his name fool youHappy is more of a laid-back, chill kind of guy who is perfectly content taking life at his own pace. Happy is …
Humane Society of Warren County • Front Royal, VA
Meet Scarlett! This beautiful girl is Scarlett, a 57-year-old Terrier mix who is ready to find her forever family! Scarlett came to us as a stray, so …
Humane Society of Warren County • Front Royal, VA
My Home to Yours: Featuring Cash! Cash's family is moving and are not able to take him along. He is a nine-year-old beagle, neutered, and said to be c…
Friends of Campbell County Animal Control • Rustburg, VA
Meet Izzy – A Sweet Soul with the Best Smile! Looking for a calm, loyal companion? Meet Izzy , a beautiful 7-year-old Lab mix weighing about 40 pounds…
Rugby Creek Animal Rescue, Inc • Mouth Of Wilson, VA
Gigi is a loving, affectionate, and often cuddly dog who wants nothing more than to snuggle next to you all curled up in a ball and to be where you ar…
SPCA of Northern Virginia • Arlington, VA
Annie's journey hasn't been easy, but we're determined to help her write a much happier next chapter. AFH was asked to help Annie, a Beagle who was be…
A Forever Home Rescue Foundation • Chantilly, VA
Meet Diesel A Young-at-Heart Senior Looking for His Forever Home Don't let the gray around his muzzle fool youDiesel may be 8 years old, but he still …
Humane Society of Warren County • Front Royal, VA
Meet Molly! This beautiful 7-year-old Pit Bull mix is looking for a family to call her own. Molly is spayed, microchipped, and up to date on all of he…
Humane Society of Warren County • Front Royal, VA
Meet Opal! Opal is a sweet, loving 8-year-old Redbone Coonhound who's ready to find her forever home! She's an energetic and playful girl who loves be…
Humane Society of Warren County • Front Royal, VA
Blu Girl is a 9 years young blue tick beagle. Blu weighs about 28 pounds. She loves toys, people and children. Blu is very energetic but also will chi…
Mutt Love Rescue • Fairfax, VA
These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. Most shelters and rescues in Virginia welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport within Virginia for the right match. Open a dog's profile to see the organization's contact details and ask them directly how their process works.
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.
Many shelters and rescues in Virginia 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.
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.
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.