At Risk
Toby
Toby is a stunningly handsome senior love bug that is 12 years plus ( per the shelter records, but we find it hard to believe) and is so deserving of …
Doggie Bonez Inc • San Juan Capistrano, CA
Senior dogs in California
Senior dogs for adoption in California
Meet 1199 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in California. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love. Showing 451–480 of 1,199 below.
Last updated July 12, 2026 at 9:30 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 California 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 California
10+ years
One eyed Oreo
This is Oreo , our 100% purebred pirate dog. He is approx 5 years old and 20lbs and if you ask him how he lost his eye, he’ll probably tell you it was…
Mutts in Need • Newport Beach, CA
Senior confirmed
CHARLES
CHARLES is a senior male German Shepherd Dog, large, located in Ukiah, CA at Mendocino Animal Control - Ukiah. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Mendocino Animal Control - Ukiah • Ukiah, CA
Senior confirmed
POPEYE
POPEYE is a senior male American Staffordshire Terrier, a large dog at East Valley Animal Care and Control Center in Van Nuys, CA. Senior dogs make wo…
East Valley Animal Care and Control Center • Van Nuys, CA
At Risk
Bebe
Gorgeous 7-year-old Bebe urgently needs her loving foster or forever family. This sweet 62-pound angel has had a tragic past, and we want to make sure…
Doggie Bonez Inc • San Juan Capistrano, CA
At Risk
Veronica
Veronica's perfect match will be someone that is naturally calm and patient. Someone that understands the world can be an overwhelming place and some …
NikaPower, Inc DBA The Rescued Pup Boutique • Ramona, CA
10+ years
Luke
Meet adoptable Luke! Luke is an adorable 1 year old who still acts like a goofy puppy. He loves to endlessly play fetch, and likes to follow that by c…
Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA
10+ years
Radar - Adopt Me!
He’s been in foster for 2 years, and while his fosters take great care of him, it’s time for Radar to have a place of his own. Radar has a solid routi…
The Little Red Dog, Inc • Lake Forest, CA
Senior confirmed
Jasper
Breed: Pit Bull X DOB: 5/2017 Gender: male Altered: yes Coat: short Size: large Color(s): grey/white Description: ***Needs a Foster Home*** This dog i…
Canine Adoption and Rescue League • Ventura, CA
Senior confirmed
Leela
Meet Leela! This beautiful soul is an 9-year-old, 12 lb Chihuahua mix who truly deserves a loving family to call her own. She can be a little shy at f…
I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue • Corona, CA
Senior confirmed
Rocco
Courtesy post for Alpha Dog Pet Rescue. Please be sure to contact alphadogpetrescue@yahoo.com for more information. Rocco is currently being fostered …
Dogz In Need • Fallbrook, CA
Senior confirmed
Grin
We love Grin's crooked smile and his super-soft fur. Grin is about 8 years old and currently a bit over 16 pounds. He loves people and is super affect…
Grateful Dogs Rescue • San Francisco, CA
Senior confirmed
Smokey
Breed: Chow DOB: 1/2019 Gender: male Altered:yes Coat: long Size: medium Color(s): black Description: Hi, I'm Smokey, a handsome Chow in need of a new…
Canine Adoption and Rescue League • Ventura, CA
Senior confirmed
Jojo
We originally pulled Jojo in 9/2020! She has come a long way since then! She no longer has the major separation anxiety that she had before. She enjoy…
NikaPower, Inc DBA The Rescued Pup Boutique • Ramona, CA
10+ years
Cameron
Cameron was returned this summer - 9 months after he was adopted! Now he's looking for a REAL forever family. Cameron is best described as a Cat-Dog. …
NikaPower, Inc DBA The Rescued Pup Boutique • Ramona, CA
Senior confirmed
Barry
Barry is a male senior Alaskan Husky at Pasadena Humane in Pasadena, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Pasadena Humane • Pasadena, CA
10+ years
Osito
Osito is a male senior dog (Terrier, Pit Bull) at Pasadena Humane in Pasadena, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Pasadena Humane • Pasadena, CA
10+ years
Mookie
Mookie is a male senior Maltese at Pasadena Humane in Pasadena, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Pasadena Humane • Pasadena, CA
10+ years
10+ years
Pici the 3rd
Pici the 3rd is a senior female Havanese at Pasadena Humane in Pasadena, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Pasadena Humane • Pasadena, CA
10+ years
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Koda
Koda is a senior male Cattle Dog (Australian Blue Heeler) and Alaskan Husky at Pasadena Humane in Pasadena, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Pasadena Humane • Pasadena, CA
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Senior dogs in California by breed
Senior dogs in California by city
Shelters & rescues with senior dogs in California
These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.
- Ventura County Animal Regulation — Camarillo, California · See Ventura County Animal Regulation’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center — Los Angeles, California · See South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter — Riverside, California · See Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park — Baldwin Park, California · See Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Los Angeles County Animal Control - Downey — Downey, California · See Los Angeles County Animal Control - Downey’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Los Angeles County Animal Control - Lancaster — Lancaster, California · See Los Angeles County Animal Control - Lancaster’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- United Hope for Animals — Pasadena, California · See United Hope for Animals’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- North Central Animal Care and Control — Los Angeles, California · See North Central Animal Care and Control’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Orange County Animal Care Center — Orange, California · See Orange County Animal Care Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- San Bernardino City Animal Control — San Bernardino, California · See San Bernardino City Animal Control’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Canine Adoption and Rescue League — Santa Paula, California · See Canine Adoption and Rescue League’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Kern Co Animal Control Dept - Bakersfield — Bakersfield, California · See Kern Co Animal Control Dept - Bakersfield’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- West Valley Animal Care and Control Center — Chatsworth, California · See West Valley Animal Care and Control Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- East Valley Animal Care and Control Center — Van Nuys, California · See East Valley Animal Care and Control Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Riverside County Animal Control - Coachella Shelter — Thousand Palms, California · See Riverside County Animal Control - Coachella Shelter’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Contra Costa Animal Services — Martinez, California · See Contra Costa Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Harbor Animal Care and Control Center — San Pedro, California · See Harbor Animal Care and Control Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Los Angeles County Animal Control - Carson — Gardena, California · See Los Angeles County Animal Control - Carson’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Mutts in Need — Newport Beach, California · See Mutts in Need’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Oakland Animal Services — Oakland, California · See Oakland Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Pasadena Humane — Pasadena, California · See Pasadena Humane’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Stanislaus County Animal Services — Modesto, California · See Stanislaus County Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Moreno Valley Animal Shelter — Moreno Valley, California · See Moreno Valley Animal Shelter’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Wags and Whiskers Pet Rescue — Chico, California · See Wags and Whiskers Pet Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
Senior dogs in other states
Adopting a senior dog in California — 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 California?
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 California?
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 California?
Yes. Most shelters and rescues in California welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport within California 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 California?
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 California instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues in California 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 California 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 California who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.