ALANI
Meet Alani, the six year old Border Collie German Shepherd mix. Alani came to the Shelter after her previous guardian was unable to continue caring fo…
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter • Santa Cruz, CA
Senior dogs 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 871–900 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.
Meet Alani, the six year old Border Collie German Shepherd mix. Alani came to the Shelter after her previous guardian was unable to continue caring fo…
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter • Santa Cruz, CA
DEBO is a senior male German Shepherd Dog, large in size, located at East Valley Animal Care and Control Center in Van Nuys, CA. Senior dogs make wond…
East Valley Animal Care and Control Center • Van Nuys, CA
CHANGA is a senior female Pit Bull Terrier, medium size, currently at West Valley Animal Care and Control Center in Chatsworth, CA. Senior dogs make w…
West Valley Animal Care and Control Center • Chatsworth, CA
COPPER is a large male Pit Bull Terrier senior at West Valley Animal Care and Control Center in Chatsworth, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
West Valley Animal Care and Control Center • Chatsworth, CA
KAHLUA is a senior female Chinese Shar-Pei of medium size. She is at Los Angeles County Animal Control - Agoura in Agoura, CA. Senior dogs make wonder…
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Agoura • Agoura, CA
LEWISIs a mature fella who is content doing his own thing. He shows interest in other dogs and is talkative when interacting. He's an easy walker, pat…
Humboldt County Sheriff's Animal Shelter • McKinleyville, CA
KAINE is a senior male Siberian Husky (large) at Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter in Riverside, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful comp…
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA
Jumbo Joe, aka JoJo, is not your average Joe! He's a 7-year-old big baby who adores his humans and savors special cuddle times with them. Jojo loves h…
One Planet Rescue • San Jose, CA
FREDDY is a male senior German Shepherd Dog, large, housed at Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park in Baldwin Park, CA. Senior dogs make w…
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park • Baldwin Park, CA
FREDRICKSON is a senior male Pit Bull Terrier, large, currently at Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter in Riverside, CA. Senior dogs m…
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA
Meet ROCKY, our sweet senior Labrador mix At 8 years old, Rocky never imagined he’d end up alone in a shelter, lying on a cold floor, confused and hea…
Melita's Dream Animal Rescue • Woodland Hills, CA
Meet Miko! This handsome 13-year-old Shih Tzu is ready to wiggle his way into your home! If you've been dreaming of a calm, loving, senior companion w…
Little Paws Doggie Rescue • Sacramento, CA
Princess is struggling in the shelter with stress and frustration and needs out! She loves toys and splashing around in the kiddie pool, often at the …
Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA
Meet Ruby Female DOB: 4/23/2016 Weight: 60 pounds Breed: Labrador / Terrier Mix Spayed (Fixed) Vaccinated Microchipped Healthy & Adoption-Ready Ruby i…
Ozzie and Friends Rescue Inc • Inglewood, CA
Micah – Independent, Curious, and Quietly Affectionate Micah is a 7-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier weighing 81 pounds who enjoys a nice balance of…
Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA
EDITH is a senior female Pit Bull Terrier, medium-sized, at Animal Protection League/SASF in Stockton, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Animal Protection League/SASF • Stockton, CA
PUPPY is a senior male Pit Bull Terrier, medium-sized, located at Kern Co Animal Control Dept in Bakersfield, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companion…
Kern Co Animal Control Dept - Bakersfield • Bakersfield, CA
AMIGO is a senior male Husky, large, located at the City of Rancho Cucamonga Animal Shelter in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful compan…
City of Rancho Cucamonga Animal Shelter • Rancho Cucamonga, CA
ROCKO is a senior male Pit Bull Terrier, large, located at Ventura County Animal Regulation in Camarillo, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA
A super chill dude who loves people and makes friends wherever he goes. He likes a walk around the block and to snooze on the couch with you while wat…
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter • Alameda, CA
STEVEN is a small senior male Chihuahua at Corona Animal Services in Corona, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Corona Animal Services • Corona, CA
RHINO is a large male Pit Bull Terrier, a senior dog at South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center in Los Angeles, CA. Senior dogs make wonderfu…
South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
• Knows exactly what she wants out of life• House-trained• Ready to get comfortable in your homeAt 12 years old, Kona has mastered the art of relaxati…
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter • Alameda, CA
GOOPI is a male German Shepherd Dog, a medium-sized senior currently at Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park in Baldwin Park, CA. Senior d…
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park • Baldwin Park, CA
Wanted: A Human (or Two) for a Tiny Dictator Are you experienced in the fine art of being completely owned by a very spicy 8-lb Chihuahua? Excellent. …
Umbrella of Hope • Pittsburg, CA
Twix Sweeter than the candy bar — and a whole lot less messy! Meet Twix: one part pig, one part dog, one hundred percent irresistible. This 8 or so ye…
One Planet Rescue • San Jose, CA
CHUCHA is a female Pit Bull Terrier, a large senior dog at South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center in Los Angeles, CA. Senior dogs make wonde…
South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
CHUCHO is a senior male Pit Bull Terrier, large, currently at South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center in Los Angeles, CA. Senior dogs make wo…
South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
Behaviors observed by this animal leads us to state the following: Meet Raisin, a sweet and gentle senior pitty mix who’s looking for a loving forever…
City of Tracy Animal Services • Tracy, CA
Lolo is a senior, female German Shepherd who we guess is around nine years old. She came to us from the shelter extremely underweight at 38 lbs, so we…
Greater California German Shepherd Rescue • Modesto, CA
These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.