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.

12 senior dogs match your search

12 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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Senior confirmed
Photo of Jack Jack, adoptable senior Boston Terrier in Normal, Illinois

Jack Jack

Boston Terrier • Male • Medium • 8 years

If you’re looking for a happy, fun-loving sidekick, Jack Jack might be your perfect match! He’s a friendly, outgoing pup who loves being part of the a…

Wish Bone Canine Rescue • Normal, IL

10+ years
Photo of Clark, adoptable senior Miniature Schnauzer in Normal, Illinois

Clark

Miniature Schnauzer • Male • Small • 13 years

Meet Clark, a 13-year-old Miniature Schnauzer mix who weighs about 24 pounds and still has plenty of pep in his step. He’s a friendly, outgoing, and a…

Wish Bone Canine Rescue • Normal, IL

10+ years
Photo of Benji, adoptable senior Shih Tzu in Normal, Illinois

Benji

Shih Tzu • Male • Small • 16 years

Meet Benji, a 16-year-old Shih Tzu mix who weighs about 13 pounds and is equal parts gentle soul and devoted sidekick. He’s a friendly, outgoing, and …

Wish Bone Canine Rescue • Normal, IL

10+ years
Photo of Charlie, adoptable senior Chihuahua in Normal, Illinois

Charlie

Chihuahua • Male • Small • 15 years

Charlie is a 15-year-old Chihuahua mix who weighs about 15 pounds and proves that age is just a number. This friendly, happy little guy is full of per…

Wish Bone Canine Rescue • Normal, IL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Bambi, adoptable senior Miniature Pinscher in Normal, Illinois

Bambi

Miniature Pinscher • Female • Small • 8 years

Meet Bambi, an 8-year-old, 21-pound Miniature Pinscher mix with a heart full of love and a gentle, easygoing personality. Bambi is the definition of a…

Wish Bone Canine Rescue • Normal, IL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Flopsy, adoptable senior Rat Terrier in Normal, Illinois

Flopsy

Rat Terrier • Female • Small • 8 years

Meet Flopsy and Mopsy, an adorable bonded pair of 8-year-old Rat Terrier mixes looking for a forever home together! Flopsy weighs 17 pounds, and her b…

Wish Bone Canine Rescue • Normal, IL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Biscuit, adoptable senior Shih Tzu in Normal, Illinois

Biscuit

Shih Tzu • Female • Small • 8 years

Meet Biscuit, an 8-year-old Shih Tzu/Yorkie mix weighing 12 pounds. This sweet little girl happily greets staff and volunteers - making new friends wh…

Wish Bone Canine Rescue • Normal, IL

10+ years
Photo of Dudley Duddles, adoptable senior Shih Tzu in Normal, Illinois

Dudley Duddles

Shih Tzu • Male • Small • 10 years

Meet Dudley Duddles – A Gentle Soul Looking for a Soft Place to Land Dudley Duddles is a 10-year-old Shih Tzu mix who weighs 13 pounds and is as sweet…

Wish Bone Canine Rescue • Normal, IL

10+ years
Photo of Carson, adoptable senior West Highland White Terrier Westie in Normal, Illinois

Carson

West Highland White Terrier Westie • Male • Small • 14 years

Meet Carson, a 14-year-old Westie mix weighing 21 pounds. This distinguished gentleman may be in his golden years, but he still has plenty of love lef…

Wish Bone Canine Rescue • Normal, IL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Gravy, adoptable senior Shih Tzu in Normal, Illinois

Gravy

Shih Tzu • Male • Small • 8 years

Meet Gravy, an 8-year-old Shih Tzu/Yorkie mix weighing 14 pounds. This sweet little dude happily greets staff and volunteers - making new friends wher…

Wish Bone Canine Rescue • Normal, IL

Senior confirmed
Photo of Fitz, adoptable senior Chihuahua in Normal, Illinois

Fitz

Chihuahua • Male • Small • 7 years

Meet Fitz, a 7-year-old Chihuahua mix weighing 12 pounds, and prepare to fall head over heels for this one-of-a-kind little gentleman. Missing one eye…

Wish Bone Canine Rescue • Normal, IL

Showing 12 of 12 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.