Senior dogs in New Jersey

Senior dogs for adoption in New Jersey

Meet 118 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in New Jersey. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love. Showing 1–30 of 118 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey

10+ years
Nala, adoptable senior Maltese in Gibbstown, NJ

Nala

Maltese • ♀ Female • 10 years

Meet Nala! Quiet Senior Soul Looking for a Patient Heart Nala was abandoned by the only family she had ever known after 10 years, she struggled to adj…

South Jersey Rescue • Gibbstown, NJ

Senior confirmed
Bear (Jason) Granville, adoptable senior Australian Shepherd in Rockaway, NJ

Bear (Jason) Granville

Australian Shepherd • ♂ Male • 8 years

Bear is an absolutely stunning 8–9-year-old suspected Australian Shepherd mix with a personality that's just as beautiful as his looks. After sadly lo…

Eleventh Hour Rescue • Rockaway, NJ

10+ years
Porky, adoptable senior Bull Terrier in Jackson Township, NJ

Porky

Bull Terrier • ♂ Male • Medium • 10 years

Porky is about a 1 year. He is very active and playful. He has lots of energy but does listen if given structure. He loves outside and loves other dog…

No Paw Left Behind Animal Rescue • Jackson Township, NJ

10+ years
Dash, adoptable senior Labrador Retriever in Willingboro, NJ

Dash

Labrador Retriever • ♂ Male • Medium • 10 years

Dash Urgently Needs a New Retirement Home Sweet senior Dash is searching for a loving forever home after his owner had to move into a long-term care f…

Burlington County Animal Alliance • Willingboro, NJ

Senior confirmed
Dexter, adoptable senior Chihuahua in Bloomingdale, NJ

Dexter

Chihuahua • ♂ Male • Small • 8 years

Anticipated arrival June 28*** Get ready to meet the charming and affectionate Dexter, a male dog who's anticipated to arrive on June 28 and capture t…

Bloomingdale Regional Animal Shelter Socety, Inc. • Bloomingdale, NJ

10+ years
Lillian, adoptable senior Chihuahua in Bloomingdale, NJ

Lillian

Chihuahua • ♀ Female • Small • 10 years

Anticipated arrival June 28*** Get ready to fall in love with the enchanting Lillian! This adult female dog is a bundle of heartwarming joy, with a ge…

Bloomingdale Regional Animal Shelter Socety, Inc. • Bloomingdale, NJ

10+ years
BEAUTIFUL BECKETT, adoptable senior Australian Shepherd in Sussex, NJ

BEAUTIFUL BECKETT

Australian Shepherd • Medium • 10 years

Beckett is a very handsome mini Australian Shepherd mix. He weighs about 35 lbs. This distinguished boy is a young 10-year-old. Beckett was saved from…

Critter Companion Rescue • Sussex, NJ

Senior confirmed
Millie, adoptable senior American Bulldog in Manahawkin, NJ

Millie

American Bulldog • ♀ Female • Large • 9 years

Millie, Bulldog/Lab mix, Tan and White, Female spayed, 2-3 years old Millie can be a little shy and timid when meeting new people or facing new situat…

Southern Ocean County Animal Facility • Manahawkin, NJ

Senior confirmed
King, adoptable senior Miniature Schnauzer in Westwood, NJ

King

Miniature Schnauzer • ♂ Male • Small • 7 years

Meet King – Your New Best Friend! King is a 7-year-old, 16-pound Shih Tzu mix with a heart full of love and a joyful spirit. King couldn’t have been h…

Peace 4 Paws Inc. • Westwood, NJ

Senior confirmed
Cooper, adoptable senior Beagle in Westwood, NJ

Cooper

Beagle • ♂ Male • Medium • 9 years

Cooper is a handsome 5-year-old Beagle/terrier mix weighing about 50 pounds who is looking for a fresh start after his owner was no longer able to car…

Peace 4 Paws Inc. • Westwood, NJ

Senior confirmed
Sadie, adoptable senior Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Caldwell, NJ

Sadie

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler • ♀ Female • Medium • 8 years

Sadie – America’s Sweetheart Quote from foster family: Sadie is a total sweetheart! She’s super friendly, completely loving, and has an adorable, goof…

Rescue Haven Foundation • Caldwell, NJ

10+ years
Meko, adoptable senior Beagle in Gibbstown, NJ

Meko

Beagle • ♀ Female • 10 years

Meet Meko! ☀️ Meko is a sweet 10-year-old Beagle/Cattle Dog mix looking for a loving home after the heartbreaking loss of her owner. This senior girl …

South Jersey Rescue • Gibbstown, NJ

Senior confirmed
Jeffrey, adoptable senior Mastiff in Jackson, NJ

Jeffrey

Mastiff • ♂ Male • X-Large • 7 years

Jeffrey, Mastiff/Shepherd mix, Brindle, Male neutered, 2 years old Jeffrey is a very handsome boy! He may take a little time to warm up, but once he d…

Northern Ocean County Animal Facility • Jackson, NJ

Senior confirmed
LUNA 2, adoptable senior Basset Hound in Milmay, NJ

LUNA 2

Basset Hound • ♀ Female • Medium • 7 years

7 years old. Thank you for your interest in adopting a rescued Basset Hound! We ask all potential adopters to complete our application and approval pr…

Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue • Milmay, NJ

Senior confirmed
Rocco, adoptable senior German Shepherd Dog in Millburn, NJ

Rocco

German Shepherd Dog • ♂ Male • Large • 7 years

Age: 8 Years Sex: Male Size: Medium to Large Good With Dogs: Yes Good With Cats: Unknown Good With Children: Yes Come meet Rocco, a lovable, friendly …

Sedona Shepherd Sanctuary • Millburn, NJ

Senior confirmed
Cream, adoptable senior Pit Bull Terrier in Jackson, NJ

Cream

Pit Bull Terrier • ♀ Female • Large • 7 years

Cream, Pit Bull, Tan, Female spayed, 2 year old Cream may be a bit timid around new people, but she only needs a little time to warm up. Once she does…

Northern Ocean County Animal Facility • Jackson, NJ

10+ years
Chloe, adoptable senior Poodle (Miniature) in Willingboro, NJ

Chloe

Poodle (Miniature) • ♀ Female • Small • 12 years

Chloe, a 16 pound poodle mix, was adopted four years ago from BCAA. Unfortunately her human dad was sick and recently passed away. Chloe, now 12 years…

Burlington County Animal Alliance • Willingboro, NJ

10+ years
Bruno, adoptable senior Boxer in Monticello, NJ

Bruno

Boxer • ♂ Male • Large • 10 years

PUPDATE: Bruno is in a foster home and he is wonderful with people and other dogs. Now that Bruno has some strength and confidence back, he is chasing…

Chelsea's Hope Boxer Rescue • Monticello, NJ

Senior confirmed
Brownie, adoptable senior Labrador Retriever in Willingboro, NJ

Brownie

Labrador Retriever • ♀ Female • Large • 8 years

At 8 years young and 60 pounds, Brownie is the perfect mix of wisdom, sweetness, and just the right amount of playful spirit. After spending years in …

Burlington County Animal Alliance • Willingboro, NJ

Senior confirmed
San Marcos Coco TX, adoptable senior Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie in Boonton, NJ

San Marcos Coco TX

Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie • ♂ Male • Small • 9 years

When Coco's owner passed away, he was surrendered to a shelter in Texas. He has now been rescued and is in a NorthStar foster home. He is a neutered m…

Northstar Pet Rescue • Boonton, NJ

10+ years
Cleo, adoptable senior American Staffordshire Terrier in Cranford, NJ

Cleo

American Staffordshire Terrier • ♂ Male • Large • 10 years

ONLY AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION IN NEW JERSEY AND LOCAL SURROUNDING AREAS!!! If your application is a possible match, a volunteer will get back to you wit…

Best Friend Dog and Animal Adoption Inc • Cranford, NJ

10+ years
Bailey & Charlie, adoptable senior Maltese in Matawan, NJ

Bailey & Charlie

Maltese • ♀ Female • 16 years

Meet Bailey and Charlie! They are both Maltese/Yorkie mixes; Bailey (the lighter colored one) is a female around age 16, and Charlie (the darker color…

Husky House • Matawan, NJ

Senior dogs in New Jersey by breed

Senior dogs in New Jersey by city

Shelters & rescues with senior dogs in New Jersey

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

Senior dogs in other states

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Adopting a senior dog in New Jersey — 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 New Jersey?

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 New Jersey?

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 New Jersey?

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

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 New Jersey instead of adopting?

Many shelters and rescues in New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey who needs a home?

Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.