10+ years
PEANUT
PEANUT is a small male Terrier, listed as a senior, currently at Los Angeles County Animal Control - Castaic in Castaic, CA. Senior dogs make wonderfu…
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Castaic • Castaic, 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 1–30 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
Senior confirmed
(RESCUE ONLY) LOVE
(RESCUE ONLY) LOVE is a small female senior Shih Tzu at HESPERIA ANIMAL SHELTER in HESPERIA, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
HESPERIA ANIMAL SHELTER • HESPERIA, CA
10+ years
BAMBINO
I arrived at the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter on 07/10/2026 from Rialto.
Rescued • San Bernardino, CA
10+ years
Senior Pomeranian mix
I arrived at the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter on 07/10/2026 from San Bernardino.
Rescued • San Bernardino, CA
Senior confirmed
Senior Pit Bull Terrier
I arrived at the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter on 07/08/2026 from San Bernardino.
Rescued • San Bernardino, CA
Senior confirmed
DAKOTA
I arrived at the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter on 07/11/2026 from Grand Terrace. I came into the shelter with the name, Dakota.
Rescued • San Bernardino, CA
Senior confirmed
ELSA
I arrived at the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter on 07/10/2026 from Fontana.
Rescued • San Bernardino, CA
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Roxie
Adoption Trial Eligible · Field Tripper · Sleepover Buddy · Lived with Dogs
pasadenahumane.org • Pasadena, CA
Senior confirmed
Desert Dog White Knight
Apprx 6-7 year old White Knight lived with a group of 15 other dogs in the desert for several years after their owner died. A good samaritan visited t…
Cause for SB Paws • San Bernardino, CA
Updated recently
Snuggles
Snuggles is a well-mannered, affectionate, and low-maintenance senior pittie. He is 10 years old and 60lb. Snuggles would prefer to be the only pet in…
It's The Pits • San Diego, CA
Senior confirmed
Sadie
Meet Sadie, Sadie is a sweet and loving 7 year old German Shepherd mix with a gentle spirit. She’ll melt your heart with her signature smile when gree…
Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA
Senior confirmed
DENNIS
Meet Dennis! This spirited 6-year-old boy is full of life and looking for a forever home that can keep up with his energy and give him all the love he…
Kathryn's Precious Paw Rescue • Beaumont, CA
10+ years
Venus
Meet Venus! Venus is an approximately 2-year-old female shepherd mix weighing in at 33lbs! Venus is on the smaller side but don’t let that fool you. S…
Our Underdog Rescue Squad • La Verne, CA
Senior confirmed
Senior Queensland Heeler
I am a female, black and white Queensland Heeler.
Bakersfield Animal Care Center • Bakersfield, CA
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Apple
Foster or Forever Home Wanted!! Meet Apple! Apple came into the shelter as a stray, and this soulful lady has been patiently waiting for someone to no…
Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue Group • San Diego, CA
At Risk
RUBBLE
Heartbreak and Hope: Meet Rubble Rubble's story is one of love, loss, and resilience. This senior dog has known only one home and family for his entir…
Wags and Whiskers Pet Rescue • Chico, CA
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
10+ years
10+ years
Senior confirmed
NORMAN
I'm Norman, I'm a sweet old guy who likes to take his time and smell the flowers. I do walk on leash but i'm just a liitle slower as I like to make fr…
Chula Vista Animal Care Facility • Chula Vista, CA
10+ years
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Senior confirmed
10+ years
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.