Senior dogs in Washington

Senior dogs for adoption in Washington

Meet 48 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in Washington. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love. Showing 1–30 of 48 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 Washington 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 Washington

10+ years
Billy, adoptable senior Dachshund in Bellingham, WA

Billy

Dachshund • ♂ Male • Small • 12 years

Meet Billy – Your Golden Years Best Friend! Looking for a loyal companion with a heart of gold? Meet Billy, a 12-year-old Dachshund mix weighing in at…

The Alternative Humane Society of Whatcom County • Bellingham, WA

Senior confirmed
Abby, adoptable senior Boxer in Stanwood, WA

Abby

Boxer • ♀ Female • Large • 7 years

This is Abby! She is a beautiful 7-year-old brindle Boxer with soulful brown eyes, a sweet, frosted face, and a calm, loving personality. Abby is spay…

MustLuvBoxers Rescue • Stanwood, WA

Senior confirmed
Noodles, adoptable senior Schnauzer in Bellingham, WA

Noodles

Schnauzer • ♀ Female • Small • 7 years

Meet Noodles! Looking for the perfect mix of cuddle bug and adventure buddy? Meet Noodles! At 7 years old and 16 pounds, Noodles is a sweet, gentle gi…

The Alternative Humane Society of Whatcom County • Bellingham, WA

At Risk
Luna, adoptable senior German Shepherd Dog in Vancouver, WA

Luna

German Shepherd Dog • ♀ Female • 7 years

Luna (8 yrs) came from a high kill shelter in California. She loves people but can be selective with some dogs therefore it probably be best to have h…

Charlie Little Dog House • Vancouver, WA

10+ years
Onika, adoptable senior American Eskimo Dog in Battle Ground, WA

Onika

American Eskimo Dog • ♀ Female • Small • 10 years

Onika is an American Eskimo. She is a little reserved with strangers, but so sweet! 20 lbs and 10 years young! We are looking for a home for her and h…

Second Chance Companions • Battle Ground, WA

Senior confirmed
Akino, adoptable senior American Eskimo Dog in Battle Ground, WA

Akino

American Eskimo Dog • ♂ Male • Small • 9 years

Akino is an American Eskimo. He is an outgoing guy that loves people and walks! He's 20 lbs and 9 years young! We are looking for a home for him and h…

Second Chance Companions • Battle Ground, WA

At Risk
Dobs, adoptable senior Maltese in Bellevue, WA

Dobs

Maltese • ♂ Male • Small • 7 years

Meet Dobs! Our little friend Dobs was rescued from an overcrowded shelter where he was listed to be euthanized for space. We're so glad to have him wi…

Saving Great Animals • Bellevue, WA

Senior confirmed
Pearl, adoptable senior Boxer in Stanwood, WA

Pearl

Boxer • ♀ Female • Large • 7 years

Meet Pearl and Quinn — a bonded pair of Boxer sisters looking for their forever home! They are both spayed, current on their vaccines, and are being f…

MustLuvBoxers Rescue • Stanwood, WA

10+ years
Eggnog a/k/a Eddie, adoptable senior Maltese in Bellingham, WA

Eggnog a/k/a Eddie

Maltese • ♂ Male • Small • 10 years

Meet Eddie 11 lbs | 10 years young | Neutered | Microchipped | House TrainedDon’t let his tiny size fool you, Eddie has a huge personality packed into…

The Alternative Humane Society of Whatcom County • Bellingham, WA

Senior confirmed
Bosco, adoptable senior Boxer in Stanwood, WA

Bosco

Boxer • ♂ Male • Large • 8 years

Bosco just started a new training journey on July 12, 2026, and will be ready in August for a dedicated owner excited to maintain his extra off leash …

MustLuvBoxers Rescue • Stanwood, WA

At Risk
Rico, adoptable senior German Shepherd Dog in Seattle, WA

Rico

German Shepherd Dog • ♂ Male • Large • 7 years

Animal Profile: Rico is a 6-year-old (DOB 10/1/2019), 80 lb neutered male German Shepherd with a very sad story looking for a brighter future. He seem…

Dog Gone Seattle Rescue • Seattle, WA

Senior confirmed
Gracie, adoptable senior Shepherd in Sequim, WA

Gracie

Shepherd • ♀ Female • Large • 7 years

Gracie came to us starving and scared. It didn't take long before her gentle, loving personality won over the rescue. Born in October 2019, this big, …

Welfare for Animals Guild • Sequim, WA

Senior confirmed
Franco, adoptable senior Plott Hound in Sequim, WA

Franco

Plott Hound • ♂ Male • Large • 7 years

Born in December 2019, this boy is full of love, and energy! Looking for an adventure buddy? This is your guy – he loves runs, walks and hikes in the …

Welfare for Animals Guild • Sequim, WA

Senior confirmed
Pula, adoptable senior Shepherd in Sequim, WA

Pula

Shepherd • ♀ Female • Large • 7 years

Gorgeous blonde looking for love and a forever home! Pula was born in October 2019 and sadly spent much of her young life without much human interacti…

Welfare for Animals Guild • Sequim, WA

Senior confirmed
Treble, adoptable senior German Shepherd Dog in Bellingham, WA

Treble

German Shepherd Dog • ♂ Male • Medium • 7 years

Meet Treble, a distinguished 7-year-old Shepherd Mix with 35 pounds of pure heart. He's neutered, current on vaccines, and microchipped — a gentleman …

The Alternative Humane Society of Whatcom County • Bellingham, WA

Senior confirmed
Bertie, adoptable senior Hound in Seattle, WA

Bertie

Hound • ♀ Female • Large • 7 years

Animal Information: Bertie is a 7.5-year-old, 60lb hound mix who was adopted from Seattle Humane as a puppy. She is being surrendered because she need…

Dog Gone Seattle Rescue • Seattle, WA

10+ years
Bonded- Jasper and Chloe, adoptable senior Shih Tzu in Sequim, WA

Bonded- Jasper and Chloe

Shih Tzu • Small • 15 years

Meet Jasper and Chloe! This sweet pair of seniors are in a long-term relationship, and we cannot separate them after 45+ dog years together. They are …

Welfare for Animals Guild • Sequim, WA

Senior dogs in Washington by breed

Senior dogs in Washington by city

Shelters & rescues with senior dogs in Washington

These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.

Senior dogs in other states

All statesBrowse by breed

Adopting a senior dog in Washington — 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 Washington?

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 Washington?

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 Washington?

Yes. Most shelters and rescues in Washington welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport within Washington 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 Washington?

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 Washington instead of adopting?

Many shelters and rescues in Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington who needs a home?

Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.

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