The national senior-dog directory

Senior dogs for adoption, nationwide

6,932 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) are listed right now, with 6,719 currently grouped across 48 states. Search below, or browse by state or age.

Last updated November 9, 2026 at 1:47 AM EST. 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.

26 senior dogs match your search

26 senior dogs match your search.

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

Filters (active)

Clear filters · Save this search → email alerts

Senior confirmed
Photo of Ledger, adoptable senior Labrador Retriever in Tavares, Florida

Ledger

Labrador Retriever • Male • Medium • 8 years

Ledger is a treat-motivated pup who enjoys plenty of attention. He walks well on leash and is easy to handle. Ledger will happily lean into his handle…

Lake County Animal Services • Tavares, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Jack, adoptable senior Black and Tan Coonhound in Tavares, Florida

Jack

Black and Tan Coonhound • Male • Large • 7 years

Jack is a sweet senior gentleman with a heart full of love, ready to spend his golden years in a forever home. He has a gentle nature and is looking f…

Lake County Animal Services • Tavares, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Rita, adoptable senior Labrador Retriever in Tavares, Florida

Rita

Labrador Retriever • Female • Large • 8 years

Hi there! I am newer to the shelter and the team is still getting to know me!

Lake County Animal Services • Tavares, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Nile, adoptable senior Plott Hound in Tavares, Florida

Nile

Plott Hound • Male • Large • 8 years

Meet Nile! This energetic, goofy boy is always ready for his next adventure, whether it's chasing a toy, going for a walk, or simply making everyone l…

Lake County Animal Services • Tavares, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Benji, adoptable senior American Staffordshire Terrier in Tavares, Florida

Benji

American Staffordshire Terrier • Male • Large • 7 years

Bouncing boy Benji adores attention! He knows how to sit, enjoys back scratches, and loves toys! Benji has lots of energy and has been working on lear…

Lake County Animal Services • Tavares, FL

10+ years
Photo of Albus, adoptable senior Maltese in Tavares, Florida

Albus

Maltese • Male • Small • 10 years

Hi there! I am newer to the shelter and the team is still getting to know me!

Lake County Animal Services • Tavares, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Matilda, adoptable senior American Pit Bull Terrier in Tavares, Florida

Matilda

American Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Large • 7 years

Hi there! I am newer to the shelter and the team is still getting to know me!

Lake County Animal Services • Tavares, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Cleo, adoptable senior Labrador Retriever in Tavares, Florida

Cleo

Labrador Retriever • Female • Large • 7 years

Hi there! I am newer to the shelter and the team is still getting to know me!

Lake County Animal Services • Tavares, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Mr. Shelby, adoptable senior Boxer in Tavares, Florida

Mr. Shelby

Boxer • Male • Large • 8 years

Meet Mr. Shelby! This energetic boy is full of personality and loves being close to his people. Despite his energy, Shelby thinks he’s a lap dog and w…

Lake County Animal Services • Tavares, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Vixon, adoptable senior American Bulldog in Tavares, Florida

Vixon

American Bulldog • Female • Large • 9 years

Vixon is an independent senior lady who prefers to do her own thing. She isn’t particularly interested in human attention and values her personal spac…

Lake County Animal Services • Tavares, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Massimo, adoptable senior Plott Hound in Tavares, Florida

Massimo

Plott Hound • Male • Large • 7 years

Massimo is not just a good boy, he's the greatest! This outdoorsy pup is the biggest fan of toys and treats that you'll ever meet. Massimo is also hou…

Lake County Animal Services • Tavares, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Eggnog, adoptable senior Treeing Walker Coonhound in Tavares, Florida

Eggnog

Treeing Walker Coonhound • Male • Large • 9 years

Hi there! I am newer to the shelter and the team is still getting to know me!

Lake County Animal Services • Tavares, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Abby, adoptable senior American Staffordshire Terrier in Tavares, Florida

Abby

American Staffordshire Terrier • Female • Large • 7 years

Abby is a sweet, people-loving girl who thrives on human connection. She enjoys spending time with her people, already knows “sit,” and takes treats g…

Lake County Animal Services • Tavares, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Daisy, adoptable senior American Bulldog in Tavares, Florida

Daisy

American Bulldog • Female • Medium • 9 years

Hi there! I am newer to the shelter and the team is still getting to know me!

Lake County Animal Services • Tavares, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Chance, adoptable senior American Pit Bull Terrier in Tavares, Florida

Chance

American Pit Bull Terrier • Male • Large • 9 years

If you’re looking for a laid-back best friend, Chance might just be your perfect match. This easygoing guy is the ultimate couch potato. Chance is def…

Lake County Animal Services • Tavares, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Pomni, adoptable senior Pit Bull Terrier in Tavares, Florida

Pomni

Pit Bull Terrier • Female • Medium • 9 years

Pomni is a senior girl who has come a long way since arriving at the shelter. When she first got here, she was very nervous around staff and unsure of…

Lake County Animal Services • Tavares, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Xena, adoptable senior Greyhound in Tavares, Florida

Xena

Greyhound • Female • Medium • 7 years

Ready to add an MVP to your team? Xena is a sweet, friendly athlete with a serious love for water and an unstoppable toy drive. Tennis balls are her u…

Lake County Animal Services • Tavares, FL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Kit, adoptable senior Labrador Retriever in Tavares, Florida

Kit

Labrador Retriever • Female • Large • 7 years

Kit is an independent girl who knows what she likes and isn’t afraid to show it. She’s looking for an adult-only home where her boundaries will be res…

Lake County Animal Services • Tavares, FL

Showing 18 of 26 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 48 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.

What should I prepare before bringing a senior dog home?

A quiet space to rest, easy access to food and water, and a short chat with the shelter about any diet or mobility needs the specific dog has will set you both up well. Keeping the first few days calm and predictable helps an older dog relax and start to feel settled in their new surroundings.

How do I know if a senior dog is right for my household?

Ask the shelter or rescue caring for the dog about their history with children, cats, and other dogs, and whether a meet-and-greet is possible before you decide. Because older dogs are already grown and settled, their temperament tends to be easier to read, which makes finding the right fit for your home more straightforward.

Is fostering a senior dog a good first step?

For many people, yes. Fostering gets a dog out of a kennel and into a calm home, and it lets you see how the match fits day to day before committing. Many of the organizations named on a dog's profile offer fostering, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path, so it's worth asking them whether it's available.

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.