Senior confirmed
Hippo
Meet Hippo! This is a 5 year old female, North American house hippo...seeking a house! Hippo is a wonderfully spirited and friendly girl, and her name…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
Senior dogs in Iowa
Senior dogs for adoption in Iowa
Meet 23 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in Iowa. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love.
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 Iowa 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 Iowa
Senior confirmed
Beckett & Berkley
Are you looking for twice the love? Beckett and Berkley are a bonded pair who bring out the very best in each other and are hoping to find a forever h…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
Senior confirmed
Sarge in Charge
Mr. Sarge in Charge is ready to find a forever home! This handsome English Bulldog is around 5-6 years old. Sarge is good with kids, he will require a…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
Senior confirmed
Broly
Hi! I am an energetic working boy who is looking for a home to call my own! I am around 6 years old and know all of my basic commands including, sit, …
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
Senior confirmed
Lydia
Meet Lydia! This gentle sweetheart is looking for a loving forever home where she can share her cuddles and quiet companionship. Lydia is friendly, th…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
10+ years
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Baby
The first step in the adoption process is to complete the application at www.emmetcountyanimalshelter.org*** This perfect little angel is Baby! At 7 y…
Emmet County Animal Shelter • Estherville, IA
Senior confirmed
Noni
Noni is a small senior female Terrier at Marion County Humane Society in Knoxville, IA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Marion County Humane Society • Knoxville, IA
10+ years
Oscar K
Meet Oscar! Oscar is a charming corgi mix with a big personality and an even bigger heart. He’s an older pup with a young soul—he loves going on walks…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
10+ years
Tiki
Tiki is a 10 year old male pomeranian. He is good with other dogs and good with kids. YOUR NEW COMPANION WILL COME WITH THE FOLLOWING -- spaying or ne…
Jackson County Humane Society • Maquoketa, IA
Senior confirmed
Weston
Weston is an adorable older man with a lot of life left to live. Weston is a big shepherd and is right now 88# and still underweight! This sweetheart …
Hero's Haven Animal Rescue • Coralville, IA
Senior confirmed
Bella
The first step in the adoption process is to complete the application at www.emmetcountyanimmalshelter.org*** Our chubby little friend here is Bella. …
Emmet County Animal Shelter • Estherville, IA
10+ years
Spike
Spike is a senior gentleman, around 14 years young, who is ready to find the perfect quiet and comfortable retirement home. This sweet fella moves at …
Safe Haven of Iowa County • Williamsburg, IA
10+ years
Sophie & Ashlynn
Looking for double the love and double the companionship? Sophie and Ashlynn are a bonded pair of adorable, senior Shih Tzus who are ready to fill you…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
Senior confirmed
Charlie
Charlie is the bestest boy, and someone is going to be darn lucky when they scoop him up! If you’re looking for a dog that is up for adventure, be tha…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
10+ years
Herkie
Hello my nam e is Herkie! I am 13-14 year old yellow lab weighing around 60 pounds. I really like getting pets and attention from my humans and don't …
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
Senior confirmed
Athena
Athena is a young senior, around 9-10 years old. She is a very even-keel dog, past her puppy years and enjoying her golden years. She enjoys a good st…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
Senior confirmed
Porkchop
Porkchop!! This handsome dude is around 7 years old, and 60 pounds of personality! Porkchop is seeking a super stable home, with an experienced dog ow…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
10+ years
Dodger
Dodger is a retired athlete, a former ultra runner and long walk enthusiast, who is ready for a much slower paced life. Looking to take a short stroll…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
10+ years
Porter
Porter is such a wonderfully easy going dog, we just cannot believe that someone hasn't scooped him up yet! He is not a fan of being left alone for lo…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
Senior confirmed
Diesel
Hubba, hubba...check out Diesel! This handsome young guy is on the prowl for a new home. Diesel is a smart and loving dog, he loves to be around peopl…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
Senior confirmed
Lily
Loyal Lily is an energetic happy girl who is looking for a calm home to spend the rest of her days! We think she is a terrier-lab mix, she has a beaut…
Last Hope Animal Rescue • Cedar Rapids, IA
Senior dogs in Iowa by breed
Senior dogs in Iowa by city
Shelters & rescues with senior dogs in Iowa
These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.
- Last Hope Animal Rescue — Cedar Rapids, Iowa · See Last Hope Animal Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- almosthomeiowa.com · See almosthomeiowa.com’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Emmet County Animal Shelter — Estherville, Iowa · See Emmet County Animal Shelter’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Hero's Haven Animal Rescue — Coralville, Iowa · See Hero's Haven Animal Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Jackson County Humane Society — Maquoketa, Iowa · See Jackson County Humane Society’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Marion County Humane Society — Knoxville, Iowa · See Marion County Humane Society’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Safe Haven of Iowa County — South Amana, Iowa · See Safe Haven of Iowa County’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
Senior dogs in other states
Adopting a senior dog in Iowa — 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 Iowa?
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 Iowa?
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 Iowa?
Yes. Most shelters and rescues in Iowa welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport within Iowa 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 Iowa?
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 Iowa instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues in Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.