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 511–540 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
IAN, adoptable senior German Shepherd Dog in Lancaster, CA

IAN

German Shepherd Dog • ♂ Male • 8 years

Los Angeles County Animal Control - Lancaster • Lancaster, CA

Senior confirmed
Ooyoo, adoptable senior Canaan Dog in Dana Point, CA

Ooyoo

Canaan Dog • ♀ Female • Medium • 8 years

Meet Ooyoo Ooyoo is a beautiful 8-year-old Canaan Dog mix weighing approximately 44 pounds. This sweet, gentle girl is looking for a loving new home t…

Love All Animals • Dana Point, CA

Senior confirmed
BROWNIE, adoptable senior Siberian Husky in Baldwin Park, CA

BROWNIE

Siberian Husky • ♂ Male • Medium • 7 years

Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park • Baldwin Park, CA

Senior confirmed
LILAH, adoptable senior Siberian Husky in Placerville, CA

LILAH

Siberian Husky • ♀ Female • Medium • 8 years

El Dorado County Animal Services - Placerville • Placerville, CA

10+ years
PAPI, adoptable senior Pit Bull Terrier in Castaic, CA

PAPI

Pit Bull Terrier • ♀ Female • Large • 11 years

Los Angeles County Animal Control - Castaic • Castaic, CA

10+ years
MAGGIE, adoptable senior West Highland White Terrier Westie in Baldwin Park, CA

MAGGIE

West Highland White Terrier Westie • ♀ Female • Small • 12 years

Los Angeles County Animal Control - Baldwin Park • Baldwin Park, CA

Senior confirmed
FONSI, adoptable senior Poodle (Miniature) in Downey, CA

FONSI

Poodle (Miniature) • ♂ Male • Small • 8 years

Los Angeles County Animal Control - Downey • Downey, CA

10+ years
BUDDY, adoptable senior Beagle in San Jose, CA

BUDDY

Beagle • ♂ Male • Medium • 11 years

06/01/26 18:36 Geriatric beagle mix with severe dental disease, several soft tissue masses (suspect lipomas but diagnostics needed to confirm), and he…

San Jose Animal Care Center • San Jose, CA

10+ years
JAKE, adoptable senior German Shepherd Dog in San Bernardino, CA

JAKE

German Shepherd Dog • ♂ Male • Medium • 13 years

San Bernardino City Animal Control • San Bernardino, CA

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.

Senior dogs in other states

All statesBrowse by breed

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.