10+ years
Nikki (Bonded to Koda)
Nikki and Koda came to us as a bonded pair who ended up in a shelter in SoCal after their owner passed. They had lived on a piece of land in Temecula …
Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary • Petaluma, 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 1,051–1,080 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
Sandie
Sandie was found as a stray and taken to a shelter. She is a very sweet little girl who charms everyone she meets. She can sometimes be shy or even fr…
Shamrock Rescue Foundation • Santa Ana, CA
10+ years
Scout
Meet Scout, an absolutely darling 10-pound mini Poodle mix who is ready to steal your heart! This sweet senior boy, around 15 years old, has a gentle …
I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue • Corona, CA
At Risk
COCO
Meet COCO – Our Beautiful Shepsky (Shepherd/Husky Mix) Coco is a gentle, soulful 7-year-old Shepsky who was rescued just in time from Contra Costa Ani…
Melita's Dream Animal Rescue • Woodland Hills, CA
10+ years
Odie
Meet Odie – Our Distinguished Gentlepup Odie the Rat Terrier is the ultimate mellow soul, with just the right sprinkle of playful energy to keep life …
PAW Estate Rescue and Shelter Inc • Visalia, CA
10+ years
Guera
Meet Guera – The Spicy Senior & Her Sidekick Mia! ️ Guera is a 10-year-old Chihuahua queen with a chill attitude and a strong cuddle game. She takes a…
The Heroic Tail • San Diego, CA
Senior confirmed
BRONNY
BRONNY is a senior male German Shepherd Dog, a large dog currently at Harbor Animal Care and Control Center in San Pedro, CA. Senior dogs make wonderf…
Harbor Animal Care and Control Center • San Pedro, CA
10+ years
LOBO
I'll be at an Adoption Event at Newbury Park Petsmart on Saturday June 27th from 12 to 2! Hope to see you there!
Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA
Senior confirmed
Jet
This is Jet… He is 9 years young and 75lbs. While he’s a whole lotta dog, he’s got a heart as big as him, maybe bigger. Forget all the naughty things …
Mutts in Need • Newport Beach, CA
Senior confirmed
Amber
Breed: Boxer X DOB: 9/2017 Gender: female Altered: yes Coat: short Size: large Color(s): tan/white (white paws, blk muzzle) Description: ***Needs a Fo…
Canine Adoption and Rescue League • Ventura, CA
Senior confirmed
Franklin
Forever Home Wanted: Meet Franklin – A Gentle Senior Labrador! Franklin is an eight-year-old, 72-pound Champagne English Lab who spent his life shut a…
Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue Group • San Diego, CA
Senior confirmed
Thumper
Meet Thumper, a charming Wirehaired Terrier mix with a heart of gold! This handsome fellow is looking for a loving forever home where he can share his…
Wags and Whiskers Pet Rescue • Chico, CA
Senior confirmed
STARBURST
STARBURST is a female German Shepherd Dog, a large senior located in Los Angeles, CA at the South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center. Senior d…
South Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Center • Los Angeles, CA
Senior confirmed
CHANCE
CHANCE is a senior male 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
Piper Pixie
NAME:Piper Pixie, SwiperSTATS:Female, Chihuahua, 12 years, 6 lbs. TEMPERAMENT:Shy at first and warms up. Shows fear of menShows fear of womenPiper is …
K9 Paw Print Rescue • Oakley, CA
Senior confirmed
KONA
KONA is a senior female German Shepherd Dog at Santa Barbara County Animal Services - Santa Maria in Santa Maria, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful compa…
Santa Barbara County Animal Services - Santa Maria • Santa Maria, CA
10+ years
LOLA
#A5699590 Lola is a special golden girl with a heart to match! ✨She just needs a kind soul willing to give her care and love. She is an estimated 12 y…
United Hope for Animals • Pasadena, CA
Senior confirmed
ALBERT
Albert is a sweet and easy going guy who loves to spend time with people. He has been a loving and respectful guest in different foster homes and has …
Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA
10+ years
Daisy
Breed: Catahoula Leopard Dog DOB: 6/2013 Gender: female Altered: yes Coat: medium Size: large Color(s): white/tan merle Description: Hi, I'm Daisy, ak…
Canine Adoption and Rescue League • Ventura, CA
Senior confirmed
Coconut
Meet Coconut! This resilient girl is looking for either an adopter or a foster home where she can relax, decompress, and let her wonderful personality…
Best Friends Animal Society West LA • Los Angeles, CA
10+ years
RICO
RICO is a senior male German Shepherd Dog at Kings County Animal Services in Hanford, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Kings County Animal Services • Hanford, CA
10+ years
Maya
Meet Maya – a spirited 12-year-old looking for a home to relax in. She spent most of her life outdoors with garage access. Maya is food-motivated, kno…
City of Elk Grove Animal Services • Elk Grove, CA
Senior confirmed
DRAKO
#A5693675 Drako is a gorgeous Australian Cattle Dog with a heart as big as his smile! -6-year-old, neutered male -Gray and black coat -55 lbs -Came to…
United Hope for Animals • Pasadena, CA
Senior confirmed
Gizmo
Meet Gizmo! This handsome gentleman is a sweet and gentle Maltese mix looking for his forever home. Gizmo has plenty of love and companionship to offe…
Wags and Whiskers Pet Rescue • Chico, CA
10+ years
10+ years
Noodle
Noodle is a big strong boy who will draw attention anywhere he goes! He looks like a GIANT Golden Retriever! He has a friendly disposition and likes t…
Best Friends Animal Society West LA • Los Angeles, CA
Senior confirmed
10+ years
Harley
My name is Harley! I was rescued a day before I was set to be put down at the Chatsworth pound! The volunteers had nothing but good things to say abou…
Forte Animal Rescue • Marina del Rey, CA
Senior confirmed
BILBO
BILBO is a senior male Pit Bull Terrier, a large dog at Animal Protection League/SASF in Stockton, CA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Animal Protection League/SASF • Stockton, CA
Senior confirmed
Papaya
Papaya came to us from Moreno Valley Shelter along with his brother Wrasse. Both were feral, and it has taken some time for them to open up to volunte…
The Barking Lot • San Diego, 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.