Senior dogs in Ohio

Senior dogs for adoption in Ohio

Meet 54 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in Ohio. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love. Showing 31–54 of 54 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 Ohio 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 Ohio

Senior confirmed
Tzatziki, adoptable senior Labrador Retriever in Germantown, OH

Tzatziki

Labrador Retriever • ♂ Male • Medium • 8 years

Hi I'm Tzatziki! My foster parents say I'm a pretty laid back and easy older guy, and at around 8 years old I'd say I'm as cool as a cucumber. I don't…

Adopt A Pit Rescue Inc • Germantown, OH

Senior confirmed
Leila, adoptable senior Boxer in Germantown, OH

Leila

Boxer • ♀ Female • Medium • 7 years

Meet Leila! This gorgeous girl is a doll baby! She has the cutest smoosh face & the best wiggle butt when she is excited! She loves toys, treats, car …

Adopt A Pit Rescue Inc • Germantown, OH

Senior confirmed
Honey Potato, adoptable senior American Pit Bull Terrier in Germantown, OH

Honey Potato

American Pit Bull Terrier • ♀ Female • Medium • 9 years

Meet Honey Potato - she’s a sweet, cuddly senior looking for a couch to plop on for her retirement. She’d absolutely love to keep you warm this winter…

Adopt A Pit Rescue Inc • Germantown, OH

Senior confirmed
Riley, adoptable senior Terrier in Rootstown, OH

Riley

Terrier • ♂ Male • Medium • 9 years

Riley is looking for a new home due to his owner's severe allergies. His family has tried everything and I mean everything to be able to keep him. Ril…

Rose's Rescue • Rootstown, OH

10+ years
Lilly, adoptable senior Shetland Sheepdog Sheltie in Columbus, OH

Lilly

Shetland Sheepdog Sheltie • ♀ Female • Small • 10 years

Lilly’s previous owners had to surrender her when they moved to a nursing home. She is adorable. She’s not a cuddler or an attention seeking dog but i…

Central Ohio Sheltie Rescue Inc. • Columbus, OH

Senior confirmed
Shorty, adoptable senior Bulldog in Mt. Gilead, OH

Shorty

Bulldog • ♂ Male • Medium • 7 years

Shorty is a stout 7 yr old mix breed. He is approx. 55 lbs. Shorty is special needs because he is heartworm positive. He is fine with most dogs, inclu…

Morrow County Dog Shelter • Mt. Gilead, OH

10+ years
George-OS, adoptable senior Shih Tzu in Pataskala, OH

George-OS

Shih Tzu • ♂ Male • Small • 15 years

George: He's Got the Roar, the Ride, and the Right Stuff! George's adoption donation is $350 and he is being fostered in Central Ohio. He has been neu…

Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Pataskala, OH

Senior confirmed
Harvey & Izzy, adoptable senior American Pit Bull Terrier in Germantown, OH

Harvey & Izzy

American Pit Bull Terrier • ♀ Female • Medium • 7 years

Harvey & Izzy – The Perfect Pair** Meet Harvey and Izzy, an inseparable duo that embodies love and companionship! Harvey is a 8-year-old pit bull mix …

Adopt A Pit Rescue Inc • Germantown, OH

10+ years
Tressel, adoptable senior American Pit Bull Terrier in Germantown, OH

Tressel

American Pit Bull Terrier • ♂ Male • Medium • 10 years

Meet Tressel, a sweet senior pup ready to start the next chapter of his life with a loving family. With his gentle soul and wagging tail, he’s ready t…

Adopt A Pit Rescue Inc • Germantown, OH

10+ years
Winger, adoptable senior Golden Retriever in Germantown, OH

Winger

Golden Retriever • ♂ Male • Medium • 10 years

Meet Winger, a 10-year-old golden retriever–shepherd mix with all the charm and manners of a true gentleman. He’ll politely offer his paw in greeting …

Adopt A Pit Rescue Inc • Germantown, OH

Senior confirmed
Tootsie, adoptable senior American Pit Bull Terrier in Germantown, OH

Tootsie

American Pit Bull Terrier • ♀ Female • Medium • 7 years

Meet Tootsie! This gorgeous girl is about seven years old and is ready for her forever home! She knows all basic commands, is potty trained and great …

Adopt A Pit Rescue Inc • Germantown, OH

Senior confirmed
Katie, adoptable senior Poodle (Miniature) in Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Katie

Poodle (Miniature) • ♀ Female • Small • 9 years

Looking for a sweet little companion to share quiet days and cozy evenings? Katie is a precious 10-year-old, 7-pound pup with a heart full of love. Ka…

Toby's Critter Cove Rescue • Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Senior confirmed
Oklahoma, adoptable senior American Pit Bull Terrier in Germantown, OH

Oklahoma

American Pit Bull Terrier • ♂ Male • Medium • 8 years

Hi, I’m Oklahoma. My foster family calls me Oki. I am a lover and a snuggler. One of my favorite places is on the couch next to my person. I am also a…

Adopt A Pit Rescue Inc • Germantown, OH

Updated recently
Summers Lace, adoptable senior Border Collie in Minerva, OH

Summers Lace

Border Collie • ♀ Female • Medium • Senior

OAIC, Inc.(Ohio American Indian Council, Inc.) Indian Summers Border Collie RezQ • Minerva, OH

10+ years
Baby Girl, adoptable senior American Pit Bull Terrier in Germantown, OH

Baby Girl

American Pit Bull Terrier • ♀ Female • Medium • 10 years

Meet Baby Girl! She qualifies as an “elder bull” on paper but don’t let her hear you say that!! Baby Girl hops around like a happy bunny particularly …

Adopt A Pit Rescue Inc • Germantown, OH

Senior confirmed
Woofie, adoptable senior Border Collie in Minerva, OH

Woofie

Border Collie • ♂ Male • Medium • 7 years

Woofie is looking for just the right home to place his Paws. If interested in knowing more about Woofie or any of the wonderful purebred Border Collie…

OAIC, Inc.(Ohio American Indian Council, Inc.) Indian Summers Border Collie RezQ • Minerva, OH

Senior confirmed
Skeeter, adoptable senior Basset Hound in Columbus, OH

Skeeter

Basset Hound • ♂ Male • Medium • 8 years

Skeeter is an 8 year old male basset hound .Friendly and sweet , loves kids,teens &adults, gets zoomies with other dogs,loves toys , doesn't bark much…

Buckeye Basset Hound Rescue • Columbus, OH

10+ years
Dandie - OS, adoptable senior Lhasa Apso in Pataskala, OH

Dandie - OS

Lhasa Apso • ♂ Male • Small • 13 years

Meet Dandie – Your Perfect Little Sidekick Dandie is the kind of dog who makes life sweeter simply by being beside you. He’s an easygoing, affectionat…

Ohio Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. • Pataskala, OH

Senior dogs in Ohio by breed

Senior dogs in Ohio by city

Shelters & rescues with senior dogs in Ohio

These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.

Senior dogs in other states

All statesBrowse by breed

Adopting a senior dog in Ohio — 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 Ohio?

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 Ohio?

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 Ohio?

Yes. Most shelters and rescues in Ohio welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport within Ohio 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 Ohio?

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 Ohio instead of adopting?

Many shelters and rescues in Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio who needs a home?

Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.