10+ years
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 541–570 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
10+ years
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
10+ years
10+ years
10+ years
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Ace
Meet Ace! At 10 1/2 years young and 65 pounds, Ace is proof that age is just a number. This handsome boy is sweet, polite, friendly, and already knows…
NorCal German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue • Menlo Park, CA
10+ years
LILY
LILY is a senior female Labrador Retriever, large in size, currently at Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter in Riverside, CA. Senior d…
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Senior confirmed
LEILA
LEILA is a senior female Chihuahua, small in size, located at Los Angeles County Animal Control - Lancaster in Lancaster, CA. Senior dogs make wonderf…
Los Angeles County Animal Control - Lancaster • Lancaster, CA
10+ years
MOLLY
MOLLY is a senior female Maltese, small in size, currently at South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center in Los Angeles, CA. Senior dogs make wo…
South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
Senior confirmed
NALA
I'd like to introduce you to Nala, but if you've been to the Shelter, she's probably already introduced herself to you personally and you're already i…
Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation • Sacramento, CA
Senior confirmed
CABO
CABO is a senior male Siberian Husky, large, located in San Martin, CA at Santa Clara County Animal Care and Control. Senior dogs make wonderful compa…
Santa Clara County Animal Care & Control • San Martin, CA
10+ years
Freddy
Freddy's story breaks our hearts and we are looking for a special home for this boy that will cherish him in his golden years. This sweet and loving o…
California Labradors Retrievers and More Rescue • San Diego, CA
Senior confirmed
(RESCUE ONLY) ADAM
(RESCUE ONLY) ADAM is a small male Shih Tzu senior at HESPERIA ANIMAL SHELTER in HESPERIA, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
HESPERIA ANIMAL SHELTER • HESPERIA, CA
10+ years
CASH
CASH is a large male Pit Bull Terrier, a senior dog at Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter in Riverside, CA. Senior dogs make wonderfu…
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA
Senior confirmed
QUEEN
QUEEN is a senior female Pit Bull Terrier, medium in size, currently at Yolo County Animal Services Shelter in Woodland, CA. Senior dogs make wonderfu…
Yolo County Animal Services Shelter • Woodland, CA
Senior confirmed
Frederick
This dog will be at the Palo Alto Pet Food Express on Saturday, July 18th from 12-3 PM unless adopted prior to the event. All DPS Rescue dogs are spay…
Doggie Protective Services • Romoland, CA
Senior confirmed
WHISKEY
WHISKEY is a female senior Pit Bull Terrier (large) at Contra Costa Animal Services in Martinez, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Contra Costa Animal Services • Martinez, CA
10+ years
DORY
DORY is a female Pit Bull Terrier, a large senior at South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center in Los Angeles, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful c…
South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
10+ years
ROYAL
ROYAL is a senior male Pit Bull Terrier (large) at South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center in Los Angeles, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful com…
South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
Senior confirmed
JAZZY
JAZZY is a senior Labrador Retriever / Vizsla, female and large, located in Van Nuys, CA at East Valley Animal Care and Control Center. Senior dogs ma…
East Valley Animal Care and Control Center • Van Nuys, CA
Senior confirmed
FRANCINE
FRANCINE is a senior female Pug, medium size, located in Los Angeles, CA at the South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center. Senior dogs make won…
South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
Senior confirmed
HELENA
HELENA is a female Pit Bull Terrier, a medium-sized senior at Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter in Riverside, CA. Senior dogs make w…
Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA
Senior confirmed
HAROLD
HAROLD is a senior male Chihuahua, small in size, currently at Hesperia Animal Shelter in HESPERIA, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
HESPERIA ANIMAL SHELTER • HESPERIA, 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.
- 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.