10+ years
Lucy
Meet Lucy! Lucy is a 1-year-old Heeler/Terrier Mix weighing around 30 pounds, and she’s packed full of love, energy and spunk! This affectionate girl …
Second Chance Animal Center • Arlington, VT
Senior dogs in Vermont
Senior dogs for adoption in Vermont
Meet 13 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in Vermont. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love.
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 Vermont 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 Vermont
Senior confirmed
Louie
IN VERMONT Meet Little Louie! Louie is 3 years old, male (approx. DOB tbd), 30 lbs., vetted, is or will be neutered and micro-chipped. Louie found him…
Passion 4 Paws • Shelburne, VT
10+ years
Mocha
This gorgeous lady's name is Mocha! Mocha is a ten to twelve year old America Shelter Dog who still has plenty of spunk and energy for her age. She wo…
Second Chance Animal Center • Arlington, VT
10+ years
Harley
IN VERMONT < 3 Meet Harley (of Harley & Teddy) More pictures and video below or to come! Harley is 11 years old (seems much younger -need 2nd opinion …
Passion 4 Paws • Shelburne, VT
10+ years
Teddy
IN VERMONT < 3 Meet Teddy! (of Harley & Teddy) More pictures and video below or to come! Teddy is 13 years old (seems much younger -need 2nd opinion),…
Passion 4 Paws • Shelburne, VT
Senior confirmed
Caesar
IN VERMONT Meet Caesar! More pictures and video below or to come! Caesar is 8 years old, male (approx. DOB TBD), 18 lbs., vetted, is or will be neuter…
Passion 4 Paws • Shelburne, VT
10+ years
Grace
Grace (black) is a 12 year old Boston terrier mix. She's spayed and 18 lbs. Grace is more outgoing than Penny. She also would love to stay with Penny …
Good Karma Rescue Inc. • Middlesex, VT
10+ years
Penny
Penny (yellow) is a 12 yr old chihuahua spayed female. She’d successfully with dogs and cats. She is mild mannered but would prefer a calmer home. She…
Good Karma Rescue Inc. • Middlesex, VT
Senior confirmed
Olivia
IN NEED OF LOCAL FOSTER OR ADOPTER / AVAILABLE FOR FOSTER TO ADOPT Meet Olivia! More pictures and video below or to come! https://youtu.be/f6U4OnjhP8s…
Passion 4 Paws • Shelburne, VT
Senior confirmed
Cleo
IN NEED OF LOCAL FOSTER OR ADOPTER / AVAILABLE FOR FOSTER TO ADOPT Meet Cleo! More pictures and video below or to come! Cleo is almost 9 years old, fe…
Passion 4 Paws • Shelburne, VT
Senior confirmed
Nick
IN VERMONT IN NEED OF LOCAL FOSTER OR ADOPTER / AVAILABLE FOR FOSTER TO ADOPT Meet Nick! https://youtu.be/Rwscsx9JlXo Nick is almost 7 years old, male…
Passion 4 Paws • Shelburne, VT
Senior confirmed
Cookie
IN NEED OF LOCAL FOSTER OR ADOPTER / AVAILABLE FOR FOSTER TO ADOPT Meet Cookie! Cookie is 9 years old, female (approx. DOB tbd), 54 lbs., vetted, is o…
Passion 4 Paws • Shelburne, VT
10+ years
Sadie
This sweet old girls name is Sadie! Sadie is an eleven-year-old American Shelter Dog that is looking to retire into a loving home. She was originally …
Second Chance Animal Center • Arlington, VT
Senior dogs in Vermont by breed
Senior dogs in Vermont by city
Shelters & rescues with senior dogs in Vermont
These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.
- Passion 4 Paws — Shelburne, Vermont · See Passion 4 Paws’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Second Chance Animal Center — Arlington, Vermont · See Second Chance Animal Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Good Karma Rescue Inc. — Middlesex, Vermont · See Good Karma Rescue Inc.’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
Senior dogs in other states
Adopting a senior dog in Vermont — 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 Vermont?
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 Vermont?
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 Vermont?
Yes. Most shelters and rescues in Vermont welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport within Vermont 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 Vermont?
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 Vermont instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues in Vermont 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 Vermont 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 Vermont who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.