At Risk
Tommy ~
URGENT: Foster or adopter Needed!! My heart is heavy writing this. Johnny and Tommy need a foster home this weekend if at all possible. These sweet bo…
Russell Rescue, Inc. • Columbia, TN
Senior dogs in Tennessee
Senior dogs for adoption in Tennessee
Meet 52 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in Tennessee. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love. Showing 31–52 of 52 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee
At Risk
Johnny
URGENT: Foster or adopter Needed!! My heart is heavy writing this. Johnny and Tommy need a foster home this weekend if at all possible. These sweet bo…
Russell Rescue, Inc. • Columbia, TN
10+ years
Gerald
Gerald is a senior gentleman who has spent his entire life in a dog pen—lonely, overlooked, and without the comfort every dog deserves. He came to us …
Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue • Nashville, TN
Senior confirmed
Luke in NC
CITY, STATE: Winston-Salem, NC NAME: Luke AGE: 7 yrs. (DOB 10/31/18) SEX: Male WEIGHT: 17.7 lbs., he is a small standard COLOR: Red COAT: Smooth UP TO…
All American Dachshund Rescue • Shelbyville, TN
10+ years
Dixie in TN (looking for a forever foster)
CITY, STATE: Shelbyville, TN (looking for someone to permanently foster her) NAME: Dixie AGE: 10 yrs. (DOB 2/25/16) SEX: Female WEIGHT: 16.5 lbs. COLO…
All American Dachshund Rescue • Shelbyville, TN
Senior confirmed
Sissy (mm)
Meet Sissy! New to our rescue, she was rescued from Brownsville TN animal control as an owner surrender. You can see that she has had MANY puppies ove…
Last Chance Pet Rescue, Inc • White Bluff, TN
Senior confirmed
Simon (hospice care)
Simon Simon is 7 years old and 10.6 pounds. He has hip dysplasia and severe luxating patellas. Also he has advanced dental disease and a mast cell tum…
Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Rafael ~
Meet Rafael!!Do you long for a canine companion who appreciates a good nap over a marathon run? Then look no further than Rafael, our distinguished se…
Russell Rescue, Inc. • Columbia, TN
Senior confirmed
Luna in KY
CITY, STATE: Benton, KY NAME: Luna AGE: 6 yrs. (DOB 4/19/19) SEX: Female WEIGHT: 11 lbs. COLOR: English Cream COAT: Smooth UP TO DATE: Yes SPAYED/NEUT…
All American Dachshund Rescue • Shelbyville, TN
10+ years
Isabell ~
Sweet Senior Alert — Meet Isabel!** While everyone else is celebrating... Isabel will be hoping for a quiet place to feel safe. Meet Isabel, a 10-year…
Russell Rescue, Inc. • Columbia, TN
Senior confirmed
Lola (ae)
We rescued Lola from Memphis Animal Control on 4-26-25. She was found close to their facility, with another dog and was very underweight. She becomes …
Last Chance Pet Rescue, Inc • White Bluff, TN
Senior confirmed
Rebel (cp)
Rebel is an 8 year old Australian shepherd. He is around 75 pounds. This handsome boy is looking for an adult home with a big backyard yard . Australi…
Russell Rescue, Inc. • Columbia, TN
Senior confirmed
Shadow ~
Shadow!!!!!!The excitement when he wants to eat to go outside… he dances . He goes back to his foster tomorrow night. He’s the coolest dog! Just need …
Russell Rescue, Inc. • Columbia, TN
Senior confirmed
Screech +
Meet **Screech** — one of our awesome *Saved by the Bell* crew members! This handsome **7 year-old Rat Terrier mix** isn’t just beautiful on the outsi…
Russell Rescue, Inc. • Columbia, TN
10+ years
DeBo
DeBo, a senior neutered chocolate brown and tan hound and Rottweiler mix born around October 2015, is eagerly awaiting to find his forever home. Weigh…
Dogs 2nd Chance • Munford, TN
Senior confirmed
Jasper
Jasper is a youthful 9 years old and 16lb Jack. He has high energy and absolutely needs a jack savvy adopter. He is house, crate and leash trained. He…
Russell Rescue, Inc. • Columbia, TN
Senior confirmed
Rocky
Due to rescuer being very ill, all her dogs are in desperate need!!! Rocky is a large, 9 year old, male German shepherd mix. (95 lbs). Don’t plan on h…
Almost Home Animal Rescue • Maryville, TN
10+ years
Bella Luna (NC)
Adoption fee: $125.00Bella Luna is a female Maltese (mix?). She is 14 yrs old and weighs about 14 lbs. Her family was having trouble keeping up with h…
Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue • Chattanooga, TN
Senior confirmed
Poe
Due to rescuer being very ill, all her dogs are in desperate need!!! Greetings! My name is Poe! My best friend, Fluffy & I were allowed to wander the …
Almost Home Animal Rescue • Maryville, TN
10+ years
Taz
Hello! My name is Taz! I am a brindle and white male, 6-7 years old and weigh 68lbs. I am up-to-date on my shots, neutered, microchipped, and heart wo…
Dogs 2nd Chance • Munford, TN
10+ years
Ginger(bonded with Skeeter)
Skeeter and Ginger are a precious bonded pair of 14-year-old Miniature Poodles whose lives changed when their beloved senior owner could no longer car…
Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue • Nashville, TN
10+ years
Skeeter (bonded with Ginger)
Skeeter and Ginger are a precious bonded pair of 14-year-old Miniature Poodles whose lives changed when their beloved senior owner could no longer car…
Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue • Nashville, TN
Senior dogs in Tennessee by breed
Senior dogs in Tennessee by city
Shelters & rescues with senior dogs in Tennessee
These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.
- Russell Rescue, Inc. — Columbia, Tennessee · See Russell Rescue, Inc.’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Critter Cavalry Rescue — Franklin, Tennessee · See Critter Cavalry Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- All American Dachshund Rescue — Shelbyville, Tennessee · See All American Dachshund Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue — Nashville, Tennessee · See Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Maryville Alcoa Animal Rescue Center — Maryville, Tennessee · See Maryville Alcoa Animal Rescue Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Dogs 2nd Chance — Munford, Tennessee · See Dogs 2nd Chance’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Pet Placement Center — Chattanooga, Tennessee · See Pet Placement Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Shelter Animals Rescue Group — Oak Ridge, Tennessee · See Shelter Animals Rescue Group’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue — Chattanooga, Tennessee · See Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Almost Home Animal Rescue — Maryville, Tennessee · See Almost Home Animal Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Goofy Foot Dog Rescue - Jackson, TN — Jackson, Tennessee · See Goofy Foot Dog Rescue - Jackson, TN’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Last Chance Pet Rescue, Inc — White Bluff, Tennessee · See Last Chance Pet Rescue, Inc’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- A.A.R.F. - All About Rescue and Fixin' Inc. — Cookeville, Tennessee · See A.A.R.F. - All About Rescue and Fixin' Inc.’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Goofy Foot Dog Rescue — Nashville, Tennessee · See Goofy Foot Dog Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Grainger County Humane Society — Bean Station, Tennessee · See Grainger County Humane Society’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Happy Dog Rescue — Germanton, Tennessee · See Happy Dog Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- SPCA of Bradley County TN — Cleveland, Tennessee · See SPCA of Bradley County TN’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
Senior dogs in other states
Adopting a senior dog in Tennessee — 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 Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Yes. Most shelters and rescues in Tennessee welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport within Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
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 Tennessee instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues in Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.