10+ years
MINNOW
I LOVE TO: Lounge on the couch, and be around my person. I GET ALONG WELL WITH: Adults only. I WOULD RATHER NOT: Share my person with another dog or h…
Coastal Animal Services Authority • San Clemente, 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 1,021–1,050 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
Senior confirmed
CECE
Meet CECE, a senior female Boxer / Pit Bull Terrier, large-sized, currently at West Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center in Los Angeles, CA. Sen…
West Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
10+ years
Scooter
Meet Scooter- The sweetest and happiest 10 year old senior boy who deserves nothing less than a loving home who will spoil him in his golden years. Sc…
City of Elk Grove Animal Services • Elk Grove, CA
Senior confirmed
Almondie
Almondie is a 7-year-old, 51-pound pittie mix with a joyful spirit and a zest for life. This sweet, wiggly girl arrived at the shelter with an injured…
Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA
Senior confirmed
Professor Nikidik
Professor Nikidik aka DOC is an 8 yr old, 5 lb Affenpinscher Mix. He came to us with an eye injury that caused glaucoma to form. As he is blind in thi…
Umbrella of Hope • Pittsburg, CA
Senior confirmed
RUBY
RUBY is a senior female Boxer (large) at West Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center in Los Angeles, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
West Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
10+ years
PANCHITA
@vcanimalservices These two broke our hearts ?? Sadly, our county has A LOT of animals and very little pet friendly housing. Their family tried everyt…
Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA
Senior confirmed
LUMA
Excited to find your new family member at Wags and Whiskers? Our pets are vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed/neutered. Many come from unknown backgr…
Wags and Whiskers Pet Rescue • Chico, CA
10+ years
Little John
Little John is a 14 years 9 months senior male Lhasa Apso / Poodle (Toy) located in Santa Clara, CA at Every Pet's Dream. Senior dogs make wonderful c…
Every Pet's Dream • Santa Clara, CA
Senior confirmed
Krypto
Meet Krypto – 9-Year-Old Terrier Mix, 14 lbs of Pure Sweetness! Krypto is a mellow, affectionate little guy looking for his forever home. At 9 years o…
Second Leash on Life • San Diego, CA
Senior confirmed
JINX
A5723355 Jinx will make the perfect partner for someone who loves a good, leisurely stroll. This loving queen gets along well with other dogs, and has…
United Hope for Animals • Pasadena, CA
10+ years
Herman
Herman – Independent, Low-maintenance , and Dedicated to the Sniffari Herman is a mysteriously mixed breed gentleman under 10 years old, weighing 50 p…
Oakland Animal Services • Oakland, CA
Senior confirmed
COSMO
Hi! I’m Cosmo. I am almost 10 years old and lost my long-time owner several months ago. I have been in foster care since May 31st, 2025. My foster par…
City of Sacramento Animal Care Services • Sacramento, CA
Senior confirmed
GRACEY
GRACEY is a senior female American Staffordshire Terrier, medium size, located in Chatsworth, CA at West Valley Animal Care and Control Center. Senior…
West Valley Animal Care and Control Center • Chatsworth, CA
Senior confirmed
UCLA
UCLA is a medium-sized female Pit Bull Terrier, a senior, located at West Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center in Los Angeles, CA. Senior dogs m…
West Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
Senior confirmed
August
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
Chiquita
Meet Chiquita Chiquita is a gentle 10-year-old, 12 lb poodle–schnauzer mix with the sweetest heart. Her world was recently turned upside down when her…
The Heroic Tail • San Diego, CA
Senior confirmed
Beau
Meet Beau! Beau is a 7-year-old, purebred Staffordshire Bull Terrier weighing about 50 pounds. This handsome guy is AKC registered and has all the cha…
Beyond Rescue, Inc. • San Francisco, CA
Senior confirmed
Echo
Echo is a senior male Shepherd, large in size, at the Humane Society of Imperial Valley in El Centro, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Humane Society of Imperial Valley • El Centro, CA
10+ years
Blanche
Blanche may be a 12-year-old, 10-pound senior, but don’t let the dainty frame fool you—she was a bona fide badass in her prime and still carries that …
Mutts in Need • Newport Beach, CA
10+ years
Halo
Halo is a sweet girl who loves human affection. She even spent time around kids in her previous home. Halo is generally a couch potato, but appreciate…
Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary • Petaluma, CA
Senior confirmed
Izzy
Happy Holidays! My name is Izzy. I'm a fun loving 8 year old gal that doesn't let my age get in the way of having a merry good time! I was rescued by …
Pack Lyfe rescue inc • Hayward, CA
Senior confirmed
Bear (Bonded with Harli)
This sweet bonded pair ended up at the Kern County Shelter after their owner passed away. They had been with her since they were young and were very w…
Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary • Petaluma, CA
Senior confirmed
Harli (Bonded to Bear)
This sweet bonded pair ended up at the Kern County Shelter after their owner passed away. They had been with her since they were young and were very w…
Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary • Petaluma, CA
Senior confirmed
Shelly
Little Miss Shelly came to us as a stray from Oakland Animal Services. From the minute she arrived to the sanctuary, Shelly has been a joyful and curi…
Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary • Petaluma, CA
10+ years
Bruno
Bruno came to us after his owner could longer care for him after undergoing some health issues. So far, Bruno has been a perfect guest. Bruno is a hap…
Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary • Petaluma, CA
Senior confirmed
Precious
This lovable girl came to Lily ’ s as a stray from Stanislaus. While we don’t know much about her past, it’s clear that Precious knows and loves human…
Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary • Petaluma, CA
Senior confirmed
Stella
Sweet Stella was found as a stray on a rural road in Hollister County next to a bowl of food, water and a blanket. A good Samaritan brought her into t…
Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary • Petaluma, CA
Senior confirmed
Tony Baloney
Tony Baloney is a lovable goofball who was picked up as a stray in Oakland. Tony is crate trained, house trained, and is a very quick learner. His fos…
Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary • Petaluma, CA
Senior confirmed
Koda (Bonded to Nikki)
Nikki and Koda came to us as a bonded pair who ended up in a shelter in SoCal after their owner passed. They had lived on a piece of land in Temecula …
Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary • Petaluma, CA
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.