The national senior-dog directory

Senior dogs for adoption, nationwide

4,628 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) are listed right now, with 4,443 currently grouped across 49 states. Search below, or browse by state or age.

Last updated September 24, 2026 at 2:23 PM EDT. Listings refresh throughout the day. Always confirm a dog’s availability with the shelter or rescue before making plans.

Lily's Second Chance is a free nonprofit directory built in memory of Lily, a senior dog adopted at 10 who gave seven beautiful years of love. We don't shelter or adopt out dogs ourselves — we gather listings from real shelters and rescues so older dogs get seen before they're overlooked.

15 senior dogs match your search

15 senior dogs match your search.

Search by name, breed, state, size, or sex — every result is a real, currently listed senior dog.

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10+ years
Photo of August, adoptable senior Belgian Shepherd Malinois in San Diego, California

August

Belgian Shepherd Malinois • Female • Large • 10 years

Meet August! She is a gorgeous 9 year old, 56 lb Belgian Malinois mix. August is pretty much perfect and it didn’t take her long to get settled in to …

Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

10+ years
Photo of Willow (Chihuahua), adoptable senior Chihuahua in San Diego, California

Willow (Chihuahua)

Chihuahua • Female • Small • 11 years

Meet Willow. Willow is a lively 11 + year-old, 23 lb senior gal chihuahua mix who still has plenty of spark and curiosity. While she seems to be a one…

Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

Senior confirmed
Photo of CareBear, adoptable senior Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in San Diego, California

CareBear

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler • Female • Medium • 8 years

Meet CareBear! This 8 year old, 38 lb. cattle dog is a fun, energetic girl with a big personality and an even bigger love for playtime! Whether she is…

Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

Senior confirmed
Photo of Ravioli, adoptable senior Chihuahua in San Diego, California

Ravioli

Chihuahua • Female • Small • 8 years

Meet Ravioli! Ravioli is an adorable 8-year-old, 11-pound Chihuahua/Dachshund mix with a gentle nature and a sweet personality. This lovely little gir…

Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

Senior confirmed
Photo of Sushi, adoptable senior Poodle (Miniature) in San Diego, California

Sushi

Poodle (Miniature) • Male • Small • 7 years

Meet Sushi! Sushi is a 7 year old, 14 lb. miniature poodle. This happy little guy is full of love, personality, and charm. He loves to play, run aroun…

Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

10+ years
Photo of Petree, adoptable senior Maltese in San Diego, California

Petree

Maltese • Male • Small • 12 years

Meet Petree! He is a 12 year old, 13 pound miniature poodle and Maltese mix. Petree is a quiet, loving soul who wins hearts the moment he curls up bes…

Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

10+ years
Photo of Charlie, adoptable senior Poodle (Miniature) in San Diego, California

Charlie

Poodle (Miniature) • Male • Small • 12 years

Meet Charlie! Charlie is a 12-year-old, 18-pound Poodle mix with the best "go with the flow" attitude. He's quiet, easygoing, gets along with other do…

Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

Senior confirmed
Photo of Sully, adoptable senior Dachshund in San Diego, California

Sully

Dachshund • Male • Small • 7 years

Meet Sully! Sully is a 7-year-old, 23-pound Dachshund/Beagle mix with plenty of energy and personality packed into those short little legs! If you’re …

Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

10+ years
Photo of Abigail, adoptable senior Poodle (Toy) in San Diego, California

Abigail

Poodle (Toy) • Female • Small • 13 years

Meet Abigail! Abigail is a 13-year-old, 6.5-pound Miniature Poodle with a happy, confident personality and so much love to give. This sweet little lad…

Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

10+ years
Photo of Kody, adoptable senior Chihuahua in San Diego, California

Kody

Chihuahua • Male • Small • 12 years

Meet Kody! Kody is a 12-year-old, 9 lb. Chihuahua with a sweet, social personality and an adorably goofy charm. His tail seems to wag nonstop, and he …

Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

10+ years
Photo of Ruckus, adoptable senior Poodle (Miniature) in San Diego, California

Ruckus

Poodle (Miniature) • Male • Small • 12 years

Meet Ruckus! Ruckus is a 12-year-old, 10-pound Toy Poodle with a heart as big as his personality. After his owner passed away, he found himself in the…

Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

10+ years
Photo of Bella, adoptable senior Poodle (Miniature) in San Diego, California

Bella

Poodle (Miniature) • Female • Small • 14 years

Meet Bella! Bella is a 13+ year-old Poodle weighing 16 pounds. Bella is a sweet, gentle, and happy little lady with a heart full of love. She's a clas…

Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

10+ years
Photo of Jillie, adoptable senior Chihuahua in San Diego, California

Jillie

Chihuahua • Female • Small • 12 years

Jillie is a 12 year old, 18 lbs. Chihuahua mix. She is a sweet girl and definitely a people dog. She loves to go for walks and car rides. She is potty…

Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

10+ years
Photo of Lilyroo, adoptable senior Pit Bull Terrier in San Diego, California

Lilyroo

Pit Bull Terrier • Female • X-Large • 15 years

Meet our sweet LilyRoo! She is a 15 year old, 88 lb. Pit Bull Terrier. This beautiful old gal may have a little extra sugar on her face, but dont let …

Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

Senior confirmed
Photo of Helga, adoptable senior German Shepherd Dog in San Diego, California

Helga

German Shepherd Dog • Female • Large • 9 years

Meet Helga!! Helga is a beautiful 9-year-old, 75-pound German Shepherd/Malinois mix with a loyal heart and a big personality. Like many dogs of her br…

Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

Showing 15 of 15 dogs.

Finding a senior dog, answered

How do I find senior dogs for adoption in my state?

Choose your state from the list on this page to see every adoptable senior dog (age 7 and up) that shelters and rescues have listed there. Each dog's profile links straight to the organization caring for them, so you apply with the right group.

Does Lily's Second Chance list senior dogs from every state?

Lily's Second Chance gathers adoptable senior dogs from shelters and rescues nationwide, and any US state can have listings. Right now senior dogs are listed in 49 states as dogs are adopted and new ones are added, so if your state isn't shown yet it's worth checking back or browsing a neighboring state.

Can I adopt a senior dog from another state?

Often, yes. Many rescues arrange or help coordinate transport for the right adopter, while others prefer a local meet-and-greet first. Open the dog's profile and ask the shelter or rescue directly how their out-of-state adoption process works.

How this directory works

Lily's Second Chance is not a shelter, rescue, or breeder — it's a free nonprofit directory. Listings are pulled automatically from shelter management platforms and rescue networks (including the RescueGroups.org network and individual shelters' own websites), then refreshed on a recurring schedule so the dogs shown stay current. Adoption always happens through the shelter or rescue caring for the dog, never through Lily's Second Chance — every dog's profile links straight to that organization's adoption process or contact details.

Because availability changes constantly, always confirm a specific dog's status directly with the listing shelter or rescue before making plans to visit or apply. A dog whose listing shows it isn't open for adoption yet (e.g. still in transport or intake) is labeled "Coming soon" and kept out of the counts above until it opens up.

States with senior dogs right now

All states

Browse by age

Popular breeds waiting now

Adopting a senior dog — what to expect

Most senior dogs are already house-trained and past the chewing/high-energy puppy stage, so the first weeks are usually calmer than raising a puppy. Expect a short adjustment period as a newly adopted senior settles in — a consistent routine, a comfortable place to rest, and some patience go a long way. Ask the shelter or rescue about the dog's health history, energy level, and any age-related needs (a special diet, joint support, etc.) before you apply; most are minor and manageable, and many organizations begin needed medical care before the dog is even listed.

Adopting a senior dog — 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 find a senior dog to adopt?

You can search by name, breed, state, city, or age, or browse the landing pages for each. Every result is a real senior dog listed by a shelter or rescue, and each profile links straight to the organization caring for that dog.

How do I adopt a dog I find here?

Open the dog's profile to see which shelter or rescue is caring for them, then use the adoption link or contact details on that profile to apply directly with the organization. Lily's Second Chance gathers senior dogs in one place so they're easier to find — the adoption itself always happens through the local shelter or rescue.

Are these listings up to date?

Listings refresh throughout the day, and availability can change between updates. Always confirm a dog's availability with the shelter or rescue before making plans.

Helpful resources

Looking for a specific breed?

Browse senior dogs by breed, or share a senior dog who needs a home.