Tara
Tara is the definition of a sweetheart. This adorable senior Bichon/Poodle mix is happiest when she has a cozy lap to curl up in, a gentle hand nearby…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
Senior dogs in Minnesota
Meet 83 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in Minnesota. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love. Showing 31–60 of 83 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 Minnesota 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.
Tara is the definition of a sweetheart. This adorable senior Bichon/Poodle mix is happiest when she has a cozy lap to curl up in, a gentle hand nearby…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
Just met this gentle giant, and wow, the name "Yeti" totally fits! He's a big, cuddly boxer with a heart of gold. I was so impressed by how sweetly he…
Rejection Collection Boxer Rescue • Owatonna, MN
BELLA is a senior female Pit Bull Terrier (large) at Minneapolis Animal Care and Control in Minneapolis, MN. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Minneapolis Animal Care and Control • Minneapolis, MN
This beautiful girl was surrendered to an Indiana shelter when her family brought a new dog into the home that she just did not want to share her spac…
Across America Boxer Rescue • Burnsville, MN
Do you want to meet me? I will be at Chuck and Don's in Eden Prairie, 8022 Den Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 for an Adoption Event on Saturday, July 11th…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
Sandy & Danny were picked up as strays in Boone County, IN. They are WONDERFUL dogs....both very sweet, get along with everyone and everything, and ar…
Across America Boxer Rescue • Burnsville, MN
Danny & Sandy were picked up as strays in Boone County, IN. They are WONDERFUL dogs....both very sweet, get along with everyone and everything, and ar…
Across America Boxer Rescue • Burnsville, MN
Name: Bella Rae Age: 8 years Gender: Female Breed: Dachshund / Terrier Mix Weight: 32lbs Dog friendly: Yes Cat friendly: Yes Child friendly: Yes, calm…
Mending Spirits Animal Rescue • Mankato, MN
Foster Home Needed* Poor Wren has gone through some big challenges in life. She was adopted as a puppy and has lived with another dog. Earlier in life…
Redemption Road Rescue • Crystal, MN
Reginald is an adorable Shih Tzu with a joyful spirit and a personality that makes everyone fall in love with him. He is one of those dogs who seems g…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
King is a lovable, goofy boy with a heart as big as his personality. He may be sight-impaired, but don’t tell him that—he’s far too busy enjoying life…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
Ripley is a senior Yorkie with the sweetest little old-man heart. He is gentle, quiet, and easy to love — the kind of dog who is simply happy to have …
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
London is a lovely gentle giant with an even bigger heart. At 102 pounds, she is all about love, comfort, and keeping watch over her home. She spends …
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
Sugar Plum is a 12-year-old Rat Terrier with a tiny body, a big personality, and a serious love for snuggles. At just 10 pounds, she’s happiest curled…
Pet Haven Inc. of MN • St. Paul, MN
My name is Miss Sammy. I was a sidekick for a truck driver since I was 6 weeks old. Then I could not easily get in the truck and my dad's new company …
Rejection Collection Boxer Rescue • Owatonna, MN
Meet Martha , our sweet 13 year old Shih Tzu Pug mix with the gentlest soul you could ever hope to meet. Though she is small and delicate, her heart i…
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
Hi, I’m Buddy and looking for my forever home! I’m currently couch surfing with my foster mom and 2 foster fur siblings. I’m 11 years old but don’t le…
Rejection Collection Boxer Rescue • Owatonna, MN
Opal is a gentle, affectionate English Bulldog with a heart full of love and a personality that melts everyone she meets. At home, she’s the ultimate …
Underdog Rescue MN • St. Louis Park, MN
Eddy is a curious, lovable boy who simply wants to hang out with his person. He stays calm even in chaotic environments, though he appreciates having …
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton, MN
Hi, I’m Queenie! I’m a big, lovable girl who would make a wonderful match for a somewhat active family. I love going for walks and exploring the world…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton, MN
This animal is a part of our “Seniors for Seniors” program where we offer senior adopters an opportunity to adopt an eligible pet at a discounted fee.…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton, MN
I just joined my foster family and we are still getting acquainted with one another. Once they learn more about me, they will add more information her…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton, MN
Introducing Winny , our incredibly sweet and gentle 7-year-old Coonhound lady! At 97 lbs, Winny is a big girl with an even bigger heart, ready to find…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton, MN
This animal is a part of our “Seniors for Seniors” program where we offer senior adopters an opportunity to adopt an eligible pet at a discounted fee.…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton, MN
Dominic is a big personality in a tiny package. When he gets excited, he jumps like a little goat, and his tongue—somehow longer than the rest of his …
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton, MN
Amaryllis is a gentle, affectionate girl who will make a wonderful family and companion pet. While she is still building trust with people, she has al…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton, MN
This animal is a part of our “Seniors for Seniors” program where we offer senior adopters an opportunity to adopt an eligible pet at a discounted fee.…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton, MN
This animal is a part of our “Seniors for Seniors” program where we offer senior adopters an opportunity to adopt an eligible pet at a discounted fee.…
Ruff Start Rescue • Princeton, MN
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 Minnesota welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport within Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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.