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 1,111–1,140 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
Penny, adoptable senior Chihuahua in Dana Point, CA

Penny

Chihuahua • ♀ Female • 9 years

Meet Penny! This sweet girl is looking for her forever lap to snooze on. She was rescued of the streets and is looking for her forever home. She is mo…

Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA

Senior confirmed
Tucker, adoptable senior Blue Lacy in Yreka, CA

Tucker

Blue Lacy • ♂ Male • Large • 8 years

Meet Tucker — A True Texas Treasure! Tucker isn’t just any dog — he’s part of the proud breed that holds the title of official state dog of Texas! Tru…

Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA

Senior confirmed
Batman, adoptable senior Australian Kelpie in Inglewood, CA

Batman

Australian Kelpie • ♂ Male • Large • 9 years

Meet Batman Male DOB: December 16, 2017 Weight: 75 lbs Breed: Kelpie / Shepherd Mix Neutered (Fixed) Vaccinated Microchipped Healthy & Adoption-Ready …

Ozzie and Friends Rescue Inc • Inglewood, CA

Senior confirmed
Rodeo, adoptable senior American Bulldog in Yreka, CA

Rodeo

American Bulldog • ♂ Male • Large • 7 years

Meet Rodeo! ☀️ Looking for a big, lovable goofball who’s full of heart and eager to connect? Meet Rodeo—one of our incredible deaf dogs, and truly a o…

Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA

10+ years
Heron, adoptable senior Basset Hound in San Diego, CA

Heron

Basset Hound • ♂ Male • Medium • 15 years

Looking for a silly, outgoing, spunky and fun-loving Basset Hound and Boston Terrier mix to brighten your days? Then Heron may just be your guy! Heron…

The Barking Lot • San Diego, CA

10+ years
Photos coming soon

PIPER

Parson Russell Terrier • ♀ Female • Medium • 13 years

PIPER is a senior female Parson Russell Terrier / Beagle, medium size, currently at Ventura County Animal Regulation in Camarillo, CA. Senior dogs mak…

Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA

10+ years
Hasiko, adoptable senior German Shepherd Dog in Yreka, CA

Hasiko

German Shepherd Dog • ♀ Female • Large • 10 years

Meet Hasiko: Your Loyal Shadow! Are you looking for a dedicated companion who will stick to your side through thick and thin? Meet Hasiko, an amazing …

Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA

10+ years
Photos coming soon

A4010128

Terrier • Small • 13 years

A4010128 is a small Terrier, a senior dog located in Gardena, CA at Los Angeles County Animal Control - Carson. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.

Los Angeles County Animal Control - Carson • Gardena, CA

10+ years
Photos coming soon

Spankie

Chihuahua • ♂ Male • 12 years

Spankie is a 12 years, 10 months old male Chihuahua at The Brittany Foundation Animal Sanctuary in Acton, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.

The Brittany Foundation Animal Sanctuary • Acton, CA

Senior confirmed
Boris, adoptable senior Akita in Yreka, CA

Boris

Akita • ♂ Male • Large • 7 years

Meet Boris! Boris is a total ham—big, stocky, and overflowing with personality. He’s the kind of dog who makes instant eye contact, the kind that says…

Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA

Senior confirmed
Pango, adoptable senior Pit Bull Terrier in Yreka, CA

Pango

Pit Bull Terrier • ♂ Male • Large • 7 years

Meet Pango! ✨ Looking for a happy-go-lucky pup who’s the perfect mix of playful, cuddly, and well-behaved? Say hello to Pango—your future best friend …

Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA

Senior confirmed
Renegade, adoptable senior German Shepherd Dog in Yreka, CA

Renegade

German Shepherd Dog • ♂ Male • Large • 7 years

Meet Renegade – Your Loyal Protector with a Heart of Gold! If you're looking for a dog with the strength to make you feel safe and the heart to make y…

Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA

10+ years
Photos coming soon

A4010130

Terrier • Small • 13 years

A4010130 is a small senior Terrier at Los Angeles County Animal Control - Carson in Gardena, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.

Los Angeles County Animal Control - Carson • Gardena, CA

Senior confirmed
Diesel -, adoptable senior Boxer in Apple Valley, CA

Diesel -

Boxer • ♂ Male • Medium • 9 years

Diesel is an 8 year old boxer/staffy mix. @40-45 lbs. Tan. Lots of energy for his age, and playful. Good with kids and big dogs. A blood test had good…

Beagles and Buddies • Apple Valley, CA

10+ years
Photos coming soon

A4010126

Terrier • Small • 13 years

A4010126 is a small Terrier senior located at Los Angeles County Animal Control - Carson in Gardena, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.

Los Angeles County Animal Control - Carson • Gardena, CA

10+ years
Photos coming soon

A4010127

Terrier • Small • 13 years

A4010127 is a small senior Terrier at Los Angeles County Animal Control - Carson in Gardena, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.

Los Angeles County Animal Control - Carson • Gardena, CA

10+ years
Luna, adoptable senior Shih Tzu in Dana Point, CA

Luna

Shih Tzu • ♀ Female • Small • 11 years

Meet sweet senior girl Luna! This lovely girl was severely neglected, and then dumped like trash by her owner. She has some vision loss, and needs eye…

Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA

Senior confirmed
Photos coming soon

Wally

Chihuahua • ♂ Male • 8 years

Wally is an 8-year, 7-month-old male Chihuahua at The Brittany Foundation Animal Sanctuary in Acton, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.

The Brittany Foundation Animal Sanctuary • Acton, CA

10+ years
Photos coming soon

Marlowe

Red Heeler • ♂ Male • 13 years

Marlowe is a 13-year, 3-month-old male Red Heeler at The Brittany Foundation Animal Sanctuary in Acton, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.

The Brittany Foundation Animal Sanctuary • Acton, CA

Senior confirmed
Photos coming soon

Holly

Terrier • ♀ Female • Small • 9 years

Holly is a small, 9 years 6 months old female Terrier / German Pinscher at The Brittany Foundation Animal Sanctuary in Acton, CA. Senior dogs make won…

The Brittany Foundation Animal Sanctuary • Acton, CA

Senior confirmed
Arlow, adoptable senior Pit Bull Terrier in Yreka, CA

Arlow

Pit Bull Terrier • ♂ Male • Large • 9 years

Meet Arlow – Your Playful, Loyal, Toy-Loving Companion! Say hello to Arlow, a charming and spirited gentleman who’s ready to bring joy, love, and a wh…

Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA

Senior confirmed
Maddie, adoptable senior American Bulldog in Ventura, CA

Maddie

American Bulldog • ♀ Female • Large • 7 years

Breed: American Bull Dog / Pit Bull Terrier X DOB:4/2019 Gender: female Altered: yes Coat: medium Size: large Color(s): black /white Description: ***N…

Canine Adoption and Rescue League • Ventura, CA

Senior confirmed
Koda, adoptable senior Akita in Romoland, CA

Koda

Akita • ♂ Male • Large • 8 years

Koda's an ADORABLE 4y/86lb Akita/Husky w/ 2 blue energetic eyes. The SOLE reason we must find him a simpler lifestyle is I bring him to work & he’s ve…

A Passion for Paws Rescue, Inc. • Romoland, CA

Updated recently
Louis #428, adoptable senior Bichon Frise in Placentia, CA

Louis #428

Bichon Frise • ♂ Male • Adult

Hello! My name is Louis and I am a 16-pound nine year old, male Bichon Frise mix. My family couldn't take care of me any longer and now I'm a very hap…

Bichon Rescue of Orange County • Placentia, CA

Senior confirmed
Sporty Spots, adoptable senior American Bulldog in Inglewood, CA

Sporty Spots

American Bulldog • ♂ Male • Large • 9 years

Sporty Spots is a very handsome Saint Bernard American Bulldog mix that weighs about 80 pounds! He absolutely loves people and loves to get attention …

Ozzie and Friends Rescue Inc • Inglewood, CA

10+ years
Molly, adoptable senior German Shepherd Dog in Temecula, CA

Molly

German Shepherd Dog • ♀ Female • Large • 11 years

Molly is a purebred, 11 year old German Shepherd! She loves to play fetch and always carries her ball with her! She is active for her age, but is also…

Domino Effect Animal Rescue • Temecula, CA

Senior confirmed
Bambi, adoptable senior Spaniel in Newport Beach, CA

Bambi

Spaniel • ♀ Female • Medium • 8 years

Meet the adorable but very shy Bambi. This girl is so sweet but it will take a while for her to warm up to people in the home. If you have another dog…

Mutts in Need • Newport Beach, 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.

Senior dogs in other states

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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.