Senior confirmed
TILLMAN
My name is Tillman. I can be identified by Animal Care & Control as A1266857.I appear to be an unaltered male, gray and white Pit Bull Terrier.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Services • Charlotte, NC
Senior dogs in North Carolina
Senior dogs for adoption in North Carolina
Meet 196 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in North Carolina. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love. Showing 1–30 of 196 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina
Senior confirmed
LOLA
My name is Lola. I can be identified by Animal Care & Control as A1266823.I appear to be an unaltered female, brown brindle and white Pit Bull Terrier…
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Services • Charlotte, NC
10+ years
BABY GIRL
My name is Baby Girl. I am currently being fostered. While I am not at the shelter, I am available for adoption. I can be identified by Animal Care & …
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Services • Charlotte, NC
Senior confirmed
Critter
Wanted: to meet my furever family. Are you looking to open your home to a new pet? Learn more about this pet and others near you looking to find their…
Hoke County Animal Control & Shelter • Raeford, NC
10+ years
Tofu
Tofu was found as a stray. She's super sweet, quiet and laidback.
Carolina Animal Rescue And Adoption • Sanford, NC
10+ years
Treasure
Age 16 years Anglo-Arab, Mare We at Pawsitive Impact Dog Rescue are not strictly dedicated to just rescuing dogs, as every once in a while along comes…
Pawsitive Impact NC Dog Rescue • Charlotte, NC
Senior confirmed
MAVIS
My name is Mavis. I can be identified by Animal Care & Control as A1266805.I appear to be an unaltered female, black and white American Bully.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Services • Charlotte, NC
10+ years
ROSE
My name is Rose. I am currently being fostered. While I am not at the shelter, I am available for adoption. I can be identified by Animal Care & Contr…
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Services • Charlotte, NC
Senior confirmed
BELLA
My name is Bella. I can be identified by Animal Care & Control as A1264369.I appear to be an unaltered female, white and gray Pit Bull Terrier.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Services • Charlotte, NC
10+ years
Oreo
Oreo is a lap-loving velcro dog surrendered to the shelter at no fault of her own. She does well on the leash and is about 10 years old, 13 lbs. She i…
Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, NC
Senior confirmed
Deacon
Meet Deacon, he is a mixed breed dog with a great personality… uh, dog-anality. Deacon is a neutered male coming in at about 45 lbs of pure love. He's…
Tails of the Unwanted • Greensboro, NC
Senior confirmed
Manny
6 year old Manny is a beyond sweet and is trying his hardest to be brave. He has long legs and the sweetest smile. He found himself at the shelter, al…
Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, NC
10+ years
Dexter
Dexter is a sweet senior from Rowan County. He is good with kids and dogs. Please stay tuned to this space as his personality evolves ****************…
Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, NC
10+ years
BUSTER
My name is Buster. I can be identified by Animal Care & Control as A1267163.I appear to be a neutered male, white Labrador Retriever mix.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Services • Charlotte, NC
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Zeus
Attention: This is a courtesy posting only! This pet is NOT available through Mountain Pet Rescue. Please do NOT contact MPR for information about the…
Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville • Candler, NC
Senior confirmed
LOUIE
Louie was found as a stray with no microchip and no ID tag, so there was no way to notify a possible family. He appeared on our website like all stray…
Iredell County Animal Services and Control Department • Statesville, NC
Senior confirmed
PAPA
I was surrendered to the shelter when my owner could no longer keep me. My previous owner noted that I am generally good with kids, and they also said…
Orange County Animal Services • Chapel Hill, NC
Senior confirmed
MAJESTY
My name is Majesty. I can be identified by Animal Care & Control as A1266605.I appear to be an unaltered male, black and brown German Shepherd Dog mix…
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Services • Charlotte, NC
Senior confirmed
BELLA
BELLA is a senior female Chihuahua, small in size, currently at the Burlington Adoption Center in Haw River, NC. Senior dogs make wonderful companions…
Burlington Adoption Center • Haw River, NC
Senior confirmed
JAX
JAX is a senior male German Shepherd Dog at Cumberland County Animal Control in Fayetteville, NC. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Cumberland County Animal Control • Fayetteville, NC
Senior confirmed
CHEVY
CHEVY is a male, medium-sized Staffordshire Bull Terrier senior in Statesville, NC. He is at Iredell County Animal Services and Control Department; se…
Iredell County Animal Services and Control Department • Statesville, NC
Senior confirmed
BANDO
BANDO is a senior male Pit Bull Terrier / Labrador Retriever. He is a large dog at Cumberland County Animal Control in Fayetteville, NC. Senior dogs m…
Cumberland County Animal Control • Fayetteville, NC
Senior confirmed
PANFILO
Insights from my foster friends and adventure buddies:`Panfilo is an amazing dog! He is so sweet and gentle. ...He’s not a barker and is generally unb…
Orange County Animal Services • Chapel Hill, NC
Dixie Belle
Looking for the ultimate tiny companion? Meet Dixie Belle! If your idea of a perfect day involves a cozy blanket, a warm cup of coffee, and a pint-siz…
Atlantic Rottweiler Rescue Foundation • Mooresville, NC
10+ years
Piper (Courtesy Post)
This is a courtesy post. Please do not contact Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue for information. Contact information is provided below. Name: Pipe…
Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue • Rutherfordton, NC
10+ years
Louie
Meet Louie, a truly special bonded pair with Tucker, looking for a loving home to spend their golden years together. At 15 and 17 years old, these swe…
Piedmont Animal Rescue • Mooresville, NC
10+ years
Tucker
Meet Tucker, a truly special bonded pair with Louie, looking for a loving home to spend their golden years together. At 15 and 17 years old, these swe…
Piedmont Animal Rescue • Mooresville, NC
10+ years
RICO
RICO is a senior male Labrador Retriever, medium-sized, at Catawba County Animal Care and Control in Newton, NC. Senior dogs make wonderful companions…
Catawba County Animal Care and Control • Newton, NC
Senior confirmed
HARLEY
Harley comes back to us after being in his home since 2018 (adopted from ICAS), due to breed restrictions with his family’s housing. This is something…
Iredell County Animal Services and Control Department • Statesville, NC
Senior dogs in North Carolina by breed
Senior dogs in North Carolina by city
Shelters & rescues with senior dogs in North Carolina
These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Services — Charlotte, North Carolina · See Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Pawfect Match Rescue — Holly Springs, North Carolina · See Pawfect Match Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Guilford County Animal Services — Greensbo, North Carolina · See Guilford County Animal Services ’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog Rescue — Thomasville, North Carolina · See Ruff Love Foster Care and Dog Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue inc — Middlesex, North Carolina · See Rainbow Bridge Hospice Rescue inc’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Best Friend Pet Adoption — Cary, North Carolina · See Best Friend Pet Adoption’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Burlington Adoption Center — Haw River, North Carolina · See Burlington Adoption Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Cumberland County Animal Control — Fayetteville, North Carolina · See Cumberland County Animal Control’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- SPCA of Wake County — Raleigh, North Carolina · See SPCA of Wake County’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Catawba County Animal Care and Control — Newton, North Carolina · See Catawba County Animal Care and Control’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- CrisisDogsNC — Spring Lake, North Carolina · See CrisisDogsNC’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue — Rutherfordton, North Carolina · See Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Animal Care & Control, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department — Charlotte, North Carolina · See Animal Care & Control, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Gram Rescue Ranch — Winston Salem, North Carolina · See Gram Rescue Ranch’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville — Candler, North Carolina · See Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Animal Protection Society of Durham — Durham, North Carolina · See Animal Protection Society of Durham’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Orange County Animal Services — Chapel Hill, North Carolina · See Orange County Animal Services’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Atlantic Rottweiler Rescue Foundation — Mooresville, North Carolina · See Atlantic Rottweiler Rescue Foundation’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Carolina Animal Rescue And Adoption — Sanford, North Carolina · See Carolina Animal Rescue And Adoption’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Iredell County Animal Services and Control Department — Statesville, North Carolina · See Iredell County Animal Services and Control Department’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Piedmont Animal Rescue — Mooresville, North Carolina · See Piedmont Animal Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Freedom German Shepherd Rescue — La Grange , North Carolina · See Freedom German Shepherd Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Happy Hills Animal Foundation — Staley, North Carolina · See Happy Hills Animal Foundation’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Animal Services Unit — Wilmington, North Carolina · See New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Animal Services Unit’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
Senior dogs in other states
Adopting a senior dog in North Carolina — 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 North Carolina?
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 North Carolina?
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 North Carolina?
Yes. Most shelters and rescues in North Carolina welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport within North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
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 North Carolina instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues in North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.