Senior confirmed
Leo (Chow)
Breed: Chow DOB: 1/27/2018 Gender: male Altered: yes Coat: long Size: medium Color(s):black Description:***Needs a Foster Home***This dog is in need o…
Canine Adoption and Rescue League • Ventura, 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 1,171–1,199 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
Kiki
Kiki is 10 years old and weighs 8 lbs. She’s still active and playful for senior girl, friendly with people, social with other dogs, and does well wit…
Baja Animal Sanctuary • San Diego, CA
10+ years
Max Lucas -
Max Lucas is 10 years old and 30 lbs. His eyes are hazel. Walks well on a leash and enjoys his walks. He exercises well with most dogs in his area. He…
Beagles and Buddies • Apple Valley, CA
Senior confirmed
Shea
Meet Shea! Shea is a well-trained, loving dog who knows all the basics—sit, lay, wait,shake! This smart girl is also potty-trained, waiting patiently …
Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA
Senior confirmed
Horchata
Courtesy Posting*** Hi! I'm Horchata! Just like my name, I am made of sugar and spice and everything nice! My favorite things are playing with my toys…
Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA
Senior confirmed
Zsa Zsa
Breed: Am Staff Terrier X DOB: 6/2018 Gender: female Altered: yes Coat: short Size: large Color(s): grey/white Description: Hi, I'm Zsa Zsa, an outgoi…
Canine Adoption and Rescue League • Ventura, CA
Senior confirmed
Panther
Meet Panther, the ultimate couch potato who's friendly, affectionate, and always up for some playtime! This young 8-year-old pup may be a rescue, but …
Mutts in Need • Newport Beach, CA
10+ years
A4010129
A4010129 is a small senior Terrier available 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
GILBERT- IN TRAINING
GILBERT- IN TRAINING is a senior male Labrador Retriever, medium size, at Redlands Animal Shelter in Redlands, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companio…
Redlands Animal Shelter • Redlands, CA
Senior confirmed
Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a sweet 9-year-old Chihuahua mix weighing in at a perfect 14 pounds of lap-dog love. Originally adopted from us as a puppy in 2017, he has …
I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue • Corona, CA
Senior confirmed
Helga
Meet Helga!! Helga is a beautiful 9-year-old, 75-pound German Shepherd/Malinois mix with a loyal heart and a big personality. Like many dogs of her br…
Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
Senior confirmed
Dexter #453
Hello! My name is Darling Dexter and I am 13-pound, 7 year old male Bichon Frise mix. I am a sweet boy - smart and affectionate! Dexter has a neurolog…
Bichon Rescue of Orange County • Placentia, CA
Senior confirmed
Billy
Meet Billy. He is an adult male at 9 years old weighing 60 pounds. His loving disposition and low-maintenance nature make him the perfect cuddle bug f…
Ozzie and Friends Rescue Inc • Inglewood, CA
Senior confirmed
Tocho
Meet Tocho – Your Next Loyal Adventure Buddy! Looking for a smart, active dog with a big heart and an even bigger brain? Meet Tocho – a handsome, matu…
Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA
10+ years
Jillie
Jillie is a 12 year old, 18 lbs. Chihuahua mix. She is a sweet girl and definitely a people dog. She loves to go for walks and car rides. She is potty…
Second Chance Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA
10+ years
Chula
Breed: American Stafforshire Terrier / Bulldog X DOB: est 2/2016 Gender: female Altered: yes Coat: short Size: medium Color(s): grey / white / tan Des…
Canine Adoption and Rescue League • Ventura, CA
Senior confirmed
Clovis
Clovis is a sweet handsome boy who's looking for a foster or forever home.
Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA
10+ years
HAMILTON
HAMILTON is a large male German Shepherd Dog, listed as a senior, at Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park in Baldwin Park, CA. Senior dogs…
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park • Baldwin Park, CA
Senior confirmed
Roxy
Roxy came into our care as an owner surrender through Brawley Animal Control on December 1, 2023. Over the last 10 months we have come to learn that R…
Humane Society of Imperial Valley • El Centro, CA
Updated recently
Zeus
I am backed into a corner. I have a 9-year-old Am Staff mix who I rescued for my niece 6 years ago. He initially did not like men but came right up to…
It's The Pits • San Diego, CA
Senior confirmed
Brownie
Meet Brownie Nickname- TANK Tank is exactly what his name suggests — a solid, lovable chunk of a dog with a giant heart and an even bigger appetite. I…
It's The Pits • San Diego, CA
10+ years
Drako
Forever Home Wanted…. Meet Drako!!!! Hi, my name is Drako. But my foster Mom calls me D. I’ve been a part of the most awesome rescue here for approxim…
Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue Group • San Diego, CA
Senior confirmed
Twinkle
Foster or Forever Home Wanted: Twinkle Is Ready to Meet You! Twinkle is a beautiful girl who we rescued from the San Bernardino Shelter after she reco…
Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue Group • San Diego, CA
Senior confirmed
Ginger
Meet Ginger, a s weet girl who is a bit insecure so she has a shy personality at first. Once you give her a few minutes to trust you, she gets comfort…
It's The Pits • San Diego, CA
Senior confirmed
Beta
Beta is Ready for Her Forever Home ❤ My heart breaks for Beta. After everything this sweet senior girl has been through, she still greets every day wi…
TLC K9 Rescue • Escondido, CA
Senior confirmed
Bluebell
I can't say enough about Blue Nova. Just look at this precious girl, she's not only beautiful and sweet she's smart and oh so loving❤ Her foster mama …
TLC K9 Rescue • Escondido, CA
Senior confirmed
Kona
Kona is a cute stubby little guy who our veterinarian has estimated to be born in 2017. He is a male Chihuahua mix who is awaiting his new home. Like …
Benevolent Animal Rescue Committee, Inc • Cherry Valley, CA
10+ years
Bruno
Handsome gentleman Bruno has run into some bad luck again! He initially became a Cause kid when his owner had to move and could not take their dogs. L…
Cause for SB Paws • San Bernardino, CA
10+ years
Danyon
This pet is in a foster home. Please call to schedule an appointment. Meet Danyon! This sweet gentleman is a Jack Russell Terrier mix looking for a ca…
Wags and Whiskers Pet Rescue • Chico, 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.