Senior confirmed
Kenny
Hey there, humans! I’m Kenny, a super, mega sweet 8-year-old beagle boy on the lookout for my forever retirement home. I’m all about good vibes. I lov…
King George Animal Rescue League • Dahlgren, VA
Senior dogs in Virginia
Senior dogs for adoption in Virginia
Meet 72 adoptable senior dogs (age 7+) in Virginia. Each one is from a shelter or rescue and ready to give an older dog's quiet, grateful love. Showing 61–72 of 72 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 Virginia 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 Virginia
10+ years
Odie
Even though Odie was abandoned by his previous family, he still loves people. He gets along with other dogs and children. He is high energy and hasn't…
Rainbow Animal Rescue, Inc • Norfolk, VA
Senior confirmed
CHANG
Hi! Thanks for noticing me! I am currently at the Norfolk Animal Care & Adoption Center on stray hold while I wait for my owner(s) to come find me. Du…
Norfolk Animal Care Center • Norfolk, VA
Senior confirmed
A071097
Hi! Thanks for noticing me! I am currently at the Norfolk Animal Care & Adoption Center on stray hold while I wait for my owner(s) to come find me. Du…
Norfolk Animal Care Center • Norfolk, VA
Senior confirmed
ALI
ALI is a senior male Cairn Terrier, small, at Norfolk Animal Care Center in Norfolk, VA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Norfolk Animal Care Center • Norfolk, VA
Senior confirmed
ABIGAIL
Hi! Thanks for noticing me! I am currently at the Norfolk Animal Care & Adoption Center on stray hold while I wait for my owner(s) to come find me. Du…
Norfolk Animal Care Center • Norfolk, VA
Senior confirmed
Faith
Faith checks so many boxes for being the perfect family dog. Could that family be yours? She’s a low energy girl who's perfectly happy relaxing at hom…
Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue • Alexandria, VA
Senior confirmed
COOKIE
COOKIE is a senior female Staffordshire Bull Terrier, large, at Norfolk Animal Care Center in Norfolk, VA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions.
Norfolk Animal Care Center • Norfolk, VA
Senior confirmed
TWIDDLE DEE
Hi! Thanks for noticing me! I am currently at the Norfolk Animal Care & Adoption Center on stray hold while I wait for my owner(s) to come find me. Du…
Norfolk Animal Care Center • Norfolk, VA
Senior confirmed
OPIE
OPIE is a senior male Labrador Retriever, large in size, currently at Norfolk Animal Care Center in Norfolk, VA. Senior dogs make wonderful companions…
Norfolk Animal Care Center • Norfolk, VA
10+ years
Alexander: Not At the Shelter (Wendy)
Senior hound Alexander settled into his foster home quite easily, enjoying extra meals and extra rations daily so that he is now pumped and plumped up…
Friends of Campbell County Animal Control • Rustburg, VA
10+ years
Hale (Old Man)
Hale has been with his foster caregiver for over a year now. He has always lived outdoors, and is satisfied with having a fenced area all to himself, …
Friends of Campbell County Animal Control • Rustburg, VA
Senior dogs in Virginia by breed
Senior dogs in Virginia by city
Shelters & rescues with senior dogs in Virginia
These organizations currently have at least one adoptable senior dog listed on Lily's Second Chance.
- Mutt Love Rescue — Fairfax, Virginia · See Mutt Love Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Humane Society of Warren County — Front Royal, Virginia · See Humane Society of Warren County’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Norfolk Animal Care Center — Norfolk, Virginia · See Norfolk Animal Care Center’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Friends of Campbell County Animal Control — Rustburg, Virginia · See Friends of Campbell County Animal Control’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Fancy Cats Rescue Team — Herndon, Virginia · See Fancy Cats Rescue Team’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA — Charlottesville, Virginia · See Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Oldies But Goodies Cocker Rescue, Inc — Arlington, Virginia · See Oldies But Goodies Cocker Rescue, Inc’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Alleghany Humane Society — Low Moor, Virginia · See Alleghany Humane Society’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Rainbow Animal Rescue, Inc — Norfolk, Virginia · See Rainbow Animal Rescue, Inc’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- A Forever Home Rescue Foundation — Chantilly, Virginia · See A Forever Home Rescue Foundation’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Bobbie's Pit Bull Rescue & Sanctuary — Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia · See Bobbie's Pit Bull Rescue & Sanctuary’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Humane Society/SPCA of Nelson County — Lovingston, Virginia · See Humane Society/SPCA of Nelson County’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Island Dog Adoption Network — Virginia Beach, Virginia · See Island Dog Adoption Network’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Ring Dog Rescue — Richmond, Virginia · See Ring Dog Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Bully Rescue & Advocacy Group, Inc. — Chester, Virginia · See Bully Rescue & Advocacy Group, Inc.’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Central Virginia Regional Rescue — Forest, Virginia · See Central Virginia Regional Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Collie Rescue, Inc — Chantilly, Virginia · See Collie Rescue, Inc’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Friends Of Bedford County Animal Shelter — Bedford, Virginia · See Friends Of Bedford County Animal Shelter’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Highland County Humane Society Inc — Monterey, Virginia · See Highland County Humane Society Inc’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- King George Animal Rescue League — Dahlgren, Virginia · See King George Animal Rescue League’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Lost Fantasy Rescue — Ceres, Virginia · See Lost Fantasy Rescue ’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Magpie & Daisy's Pet Rescue — Carrollton, Virginia · See Magpie & Daisy's Pet Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Rugby Creek Animal Rescue, Inc — Mouth Of Wilson, Virginia · See Rugby Creek Animal Rescue, Inc’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
- Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue — Alexandria, Virginia · See Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue’s senior dogs on Lily's Second Chance
Senior dogs in other states
Adopting a senior dog in Virginia — 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 Virginia?
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 Virginia?
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 Virginia?
Yes. Most shelters and rescues in Virginia welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport within Virginia 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 Virginia?
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 Virginia instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues in Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.