Castro Valley, CA

Senior Dogs for Adoption in Castro Valley, CA: 8 Older Dogs Looking for a Home

Senior Dogs up for adoption near Castro Valley, CA

Rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Castro Valley have 28 senior dogs up for adoption. Here are the 8 newest, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.

Senior dogs are often the gentlest companions and the slowest to find homes. Many arrive at rescues after their owner died or moved into care, and they deserve a comfortable home for their golden years.

1. Cora

Senior · Female · Husky / Mixed · 10 mi from Castro Valley

Cora – Gentle, Affectionate, and Easygoing

Meet Cora, a sweet, 11-year-old, 55-pound Husky mix who proves that age is just a number!

Read more about Cora

Lovely Leash Manners: Cora walks beautifully on a loose leash and will happily come right alongside you when asked. She trots along with an upbeat spring in her step, making walks a pleasure.
Cool and Collected: She’s non-reactive around dogs, people, squirrels, rollerblades, and scooters. When meeting other dogs, she stays relaxed and responds calmly when they set boundaries.
Affection Enthusiast: Cora loves pets and may nuzzle or gently paw at you to request more when you stop.
A Peaceful Night Owl: Cora settles comfortably in her bed and sleeps through the night. She has done well in her pen and crate area, though she managed to escape her foster pen on her first night.

Cora may enjoy life with a compatible canine companion or as a solo dog with opportunities to make dog friends. Her adopters should also schedule a veterinary visit to discuss her dental health and any additional senior-care needs. Follow Cora in foster with @foster_em_all on Instagram, and click here to learn how to adopt and submit your adoption questionnaire.

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Adopt Cora fromOakland Animal ServicesOakland, ca · listed Oct 15

2. Princeton

Senior · Male · American Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed · 10 mi from Castro Valley

Princeton – Gentle, Mellow, and Easygoing

Meet Princeton, a 14-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier mix who embodies the quiet sweetness of a senior gentleman.

Read more about Princeton

Dream Walking Companion: Princeton is a pleasure on leash! He doesn’t pull or bark, instead maintaining a slow, steady, comfortable pace. He takes direction well and makes every walk feel like a relaxing stroll.
Calm & Gentle: Princeton is remarkably composed, even when excited dogs walk nearby. He stays quiet and nonreactive, showing off his wonderfully mellow personality.
Curious Sniffer: He loves taking his time to sniff and explore the world around him. For Princeton, a walk is all about enjoying the little things at his own pace.
Sweet Senior Soul: Quiet and still in his kennel, Princeton brings a peaceful presence wherever he goes. He is not always interested in hot dogs or other treats during his outing, but his gentle nature speaks for itself.

Princeton would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Adopt Princeton fromOakland Animal ServicesOakland, ca · listed Oct 1

3. Potts

Senior · Male · Shepherd / Border Collie / Mixed · 10 mi from Castro Valley

Potts – Easygoing, Engaging and Curious

Potts is a 7-year-old, 58-pound Shepherd/Border Collie mix with an easygoing personality and a curious mind. He enjoys exploring his surroundings, sniffing, and taking in all the activity around him, and also practicing various cues with his human.

Read more about Potts

Leash Manners: Potts pulls mildly on leash and is mostly interested in sniffing, marking, and exploring at his own pace.
Independent Explorer: Potts enjoys entertaining himself, often running around the perimeter of the yard and investigating every interesting scent. He doesn’t actively seek out attention but may lean in for pets when he’s ready.
Playful: Potts enjoys chasing a tossed ball, although he doesn’t always bring it back.
Treats & Engagement: Potts knows “sit”, “paw” and can catch treats mid air. He takes treats gently, though he isn’t consistently treat motivated. He may be curious about activities around him and may vocalize when excited.

Potts will do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
Adopt Potts fromOakland Animal ServicesOakland, ca · listed Sep 14Courtesy listing: Potts's family is rehoming him through this rescue.

4. Emerald Green

Senior · Male · Chihuahua / Mixed (short coat) · 22 mi from Castro Valley

Meet Emerald Green
Emerald is an approximately 10-year-old, 10-pound Chihuahua who has already survived more than most dogs ever should.
When his owner went to the hospital and never returned, Emerald was left behind inside the home. He survived there on his own for nearly a month before out-of-state family arrived to manage the property and discovered him.
They did not even know she had a dog.
There were no records. No one knew his name. No one knew his history. What they did know was that he was terrified.
The shelters were closed that day, the family was preparing to return home, and they brought Emerald to our veterinarian after being told repeatedly that euthanasia might be the only option.
Our veterinarian said absolutely not.
She called us.
And Emerald became an Umbrella of Hope dog.
At first, Emerald was deeply traumatized by everything around him. New people, sudden movements, unfamiliar places and even normal household activity could send him into panic. He is still cautious, but he is making real progress.
He recently attended an adoption event and did GREAT.
That was a huge milestone for a dog who once believed the entire world was dangerous.
Emerald has also shown us something very important: once he decides someone is safe, he is capable of forming a very strong bond. He seeks comfort from the people he trusts and clearly enjoys having a person nearby. When that person leaves the room, he may even sing a few dramatic little Chihuahua songs in protest.
Despite being around 10 years old, Emerald apparently did not receive the memo that he is a senior.
This little man can RUN.
He is fast, agile and fully capable of turning “come here” into an Olympic-level event if he is feeling playful.
Emerald is in good health for his age and is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and free of parasites.
Because the outside world can still feel intimidating, he may initially have some potty accidents while learning the routine and understanding that a new home is truly his home. He needs a family willing to give him structure without pressure and patience without expectations.
Emerald does not need someone to “fix” him.
He needs someone willing to let him unfold.
Someone who understands that trust may come slowly, but when it comes, it is incredibly meaningful.
His ideal adopter will give him time to observe, decompress and decide for himself that he is safe. He may never be the dog who runs into a stranger’s arms five minutes after meeting them, and that is perfectly okay.
What he can become is deeply devoted to the person who earns his trust.
Emerald lost everything he knew without understanding why. He survived alone. He was almost written off before anyone had the chance to learn who he really was.
Now he just needs someone willing to give him the final piece of his story:
A home where nobody leaves him behind again.
Please don’t overlook an older boy because he needs a little extra time.
Sometimes the most frightened hearts have the most love left to give.

Read more about Emerald Green

GENERAL INFO:
Housebroken?: Yes, we think so
Crate Trained?: Unknown
Leash Trained?: Yes
Rides Well in Car?: Yes
Non-Shedding?: No
Good with cats?: Unknown
Good with dogs?: Yes
Qualifies for Seniors for Seniors?: Yes
Umbrella of Hope does not have any strict rules on ages of children because all children are different, but our best approximation is that this animal would do best with children over the age of 5
Umbrella of Hope is an all-volunteer, donation-run, non-profit animal rescue based out of Pittsburg, CA that rescues animals from local shelters, places them in private foster homes, provides them with needed medical care and then finds them new homes.
Also, ask us about our seniors for seniors program, where we adopt animals 5 years or older to qualified homes with a $5 donation as an adoption fee. All animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, treated for parasites and given any additional treatments (dental work, bloodwork etc) as recommended by our vet.
Adoptions to

  • Good with dogs
Adopt Emerald Green fromUmbrella of HopePittsburg, CA · listed Sep 5

5. Ziggy the Senior

Senior (14 years) · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 20 mi from Castro Valley

Hi everyone, I'm Ziggy! I'm a 14 year old, neutered, Pit Bull Terrier that weighs 44lbs. I'm a sweet boy that loves giving cuddles. If you're looking for a affectionate and gentle companion to fill your life with abundant love, who also happens to be a big coach potato, look no further! My friends here at PHS say I'm a golden oldie, but don't let my age fool you. I enjoy going on walks. I have plenty of pep in my step and I can be as playful and silly as some of the younger pups. Before officially going home with you, I would love to meet everyone in the household, including any resident dogs, so come on over and bring everyone! I'm so excited and ready to meet you all! Ziggy #A0941035

Read more about Ziggy the Senior

I recently went on a few sleepovers with a PHS Volunteer! Here's how I did:

Ziggy did great during his sleepovers! He also did well with his foster's grandkids (ages 8 and 10). He's potty trained and had no accidents in the home! He enjoyed walks around the neighborhood and is a total couch potato. His favorite cuddle spot is the couch. His foster also noted that he can do stairs but a bit wobbly and needs a little assistance. Ziggy is a sweet and affectionate boy!

  • Special needs
Adopt Ziggy the Senior fromPeninsula Humane Society & SPCABurlingame, CA · listed Sep 4Courtesy listing: Ziggy the Senior's family is rehoming him through this rescue.

6. Lacey

Senior · Female · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed · 10 mi from Castro Valley

Lacey – Sweet, Easygoing, and Playful

Lacey is a 10-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix weighing 58 pounds. This sweet senior lady has an easygoing nature, a little pep in her step, and a playful side that makes her especially endearing.

Read more about Lacey

Sweet and affectionate: Lacey is sometimes fairly independent about pets, but she’ll likely lean right in and step closer for more when you give her a good butt scratch!
A playful senior: Lacey loves going after tossed squeaky toys, picking them up, and bouncing around with a happily wagging tail. She also enjoys pushing a ball around with her paws and snout.
Still enjoys a good sniff: Lacey has plenty of pep for a senior and will occasionally break into a little trot when she discovers a particularly interesting smell.
Gentle and tolerant: Lacey takes treats gently and was wonderfully tolerant of all handling during bathing and nail trims with volunteers.

Lacey would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Adopt Lacey fromOakland Animal ServicesOakland, ca · listed Sep 3

7. Peridot GREEN

Senior · Female · Poodle (Miniature) / Dachshund / Mixed (medium coat) · 22 mi from Castro Valley

Meet PERIDOT
Peridot is an approximately 7-year-old, 12-pound mixed-breed girl—possibly a Dachshund/Poodle mix—who is spayed, microchipped, vaccinated, and free of parasites.
She also happens to be one of those dogs who makes it very easy to fall in love.Peridot is sweet, affectionate, easygoing, and happiest when she is close to her person. Her tail seems to have only one setting: wagging. Mornings are her favorite because that means she gets to see her people again, and she greets them with the happiest little wiggles.
She is potty trained, crate trained, and a very fast learner. She sleeps peacefully through the night and has shown no food aggression.

Read more about Peridot GREEN

She gets along well with other small dogs, but given the choice, Peridot would probably rather be curled up next to her human on the couch watching TV.
Peridot does have a medical condition that her future family should understand. She has been diagnosed with low-grade mammary adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer affecting the mammary glands. Her veterinarian estimates that she may have another 1–5 years, although every dog's journey is different. Her mammary glands and any changes in her masses will need continued monitoring so that her comfort and quality of life remain the priority. Umbrella of Hope is committed to Peridot's well-being and will cover the cost of euthanasia when the time comes and it is no longer kind to ask her to stay. She deserves to live out her days surrounded by love, comfort, and all the good things life has to offer.
And Peridot?
She is still her same happy, loving little self.
She wants to go for walks, snuggle up with her favorite people, collect all the treats, and enjoy the simple pleasures of being someone's beloved little dog. Her diagnosis hasn't changed her sunny personality or her desire to be part of a family.
Peridot would be a wonderful match for someone looking for a devoted little companion who enjoys a predictable routine, gets along with other small dogs, has excellent house manners, and thinks the best seat in the house is the one directly beside you.
Adopting Peridot means opening your heart to a dog whose future may be uncertain—but whose capacity to love is not. She doesn't need someone to feel sorry for her. She needs someone who sees the happy, affectionate little girl she is today and wants to make her days as wonderful as possible.
There are walks to take, cuddles to share, treats to enjoy, and so much love still to give.Peridot is waiting for someone to look at her and say, “That's my girl.”
GENERAL INFO:
Housebroken?: Yes, we think so
Crate Trained?: Yes
Leash Trained?: Yes
Rides Well in Car?: Yes
Non-Shedding?: No but lower shed
Good with cats?: Unknown
Good with dogs?: Yes, small dogs
Qualifies for Seniors for Seniors?: Yes
Umbrella of Hope does not have any strict rules on ages of children because all children are different, but our best approximation is that this animal would do best with children over the age of 5
Umbrella of Hope is an all-volunteer, donation-run, non-profit animal rescue based out of Pittsburg, CA that rescues animals from local shelters, places them in private foster homes, provides them with needed medical care and then finds them new homes.
Also, ask us about our seniors for seniors program, where we adopt animals 5 years or older to qualified homes with a $5 donation as an adoption fee. All animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, treated for parasites and given any additional treatments (dental work, bloodwork etc) as recommended by our vet.
Adoptions to veterans of the US Armed Services are ALWAYS free to thank you for your service.
We thank Well Pet Vet Clinic for providing most of our veterinary services and give a special thanks to volunteer photographers Tanya, Barbara, Kristy, Christine, Teressa and Natalie.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
  • Special needs
Adopt Peridot GREEN fromUmbrella of HopePittsburg, CA · listed Aug 30

8. Mooncalf Beast

Senior · Female · Maltese / Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie / Mixed (medium coat) · 22 mi from Castro Valley

✨ PLEASE MEET MOONCALF — OUR NEWEST FANTASTIC BEAST ✨
Mooncalf is approximately 12 years old, and this tiny senior girl has already endured far more than she ever should have.
When she came into Umbrella of Hope Rescue, her diabetes was completely uncontrolled. Her blood glucose was so high that it was literally beyond the range the equipment could measure.
She will need insulin injections under the skin twice daily for the rest of her life.
Unfortunately, diabetes is only part of her medical story.
Mooncalf also has KCS (dry eye) affecting both eyes. This is a painful condition that requires specialized prescription eye medication twice daily to keep her comfortable and help protect her vision.
Her skin is also in terrible condition, as you can see in her photos, and we are working to determine the underlying causes and get her comfortable again.
She also has a mammary mass along with several other age-related medical concerns that still need evaluation and treatment.
And yet, somehow, Mooncalf remains incredibly sweet.
She is gentle. She is trusting. She still wants affection.
She has every reason in the world to be angry at what life has handed her, and instead she simply seems grateful that someone is finally taking care of her.
We are committed to giving Mooncalf the medical care she needs and the comfortable senior life she deserves.
But chronic illness is expensive.
Insulin.
Syringes.
Prescription eye medications.
Blood glucose monitoring.
Diagnostics.
Veterinary visits.
Skin treatment.
Evaluation of her mammary mass.
And whatever else we uncover as we continue working through years of neglected medical needs.
This is exactly why rescue takes a village.
If you can help Mooncalf, even a small donation makes a difference.
WAYS TO DONATE:
Check or money order:Umbrella of Hope4040 Railroad AvePittsburg, CA 94565
Venmo:@Umbrellaof-HopeResuce
PayPal:beourpet@gmail.com
Zelle:beourpet@gmail.com
Mooncalf did not get to choose the body she grew old in or the medical problems she developed.
But we can choose what happens next.
We can make sure her golden years are filled with comfort, proper medical care, good food, soft beds, and people who believe an elderly diabetic dog is still absolutely worth saving.
Please help us give Mooncalf the life she deserves. ❤️
Thank you for being part of her journey.

Read more about Mooncalf Beast

GENERAL INFO:
Housebroken?: Yes, we think so
Crate Trained?: Yes
Leash Trained?: Yes
Rides Well in Car?: Yes
Non-Shedding?: Most likely
Good with cats?: Unknown but we think so
Good with dogs?: Yes
Qualifies for Seniors for Seniors?: yes
Umbrella of Hope does not have any strict rules on ages of children because all children are different, but our best approximation is that this animal would do best with children over the age of 5
Umbrella of Hope is an all-volunteer, donation-run, non-profit animal rescue based out of Pittsburg, CA that rescues animals from local shelters, places them in private foster homes, provides them with needed medical care and then finds them new homes.
Also, ask us about our seniors for seniors program, where we adopt animals 5 years or older to qualified homes with a $5 donation as an adoption fee. All animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, treated for parasites and given any additional treatments (dental work, bloodwork etc) as recommended by our vet.
Adoptions to veterans of the US Armed Services are ALWAYS free to thank you for your service.
We thank Well Pet Vet Clinic for providing most of our veterinary services and give a special thanks to volunteer photographers Tanya, Barbara, Kristy, Christine, Teressa and Natalie.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Special needs
Adopt Mooncalf Beast fromUmbrella of HopePittsburg, CA · listed Jun 17

Adopting a senior dog in Castro Valley

Older dogs are usually calm, affectionate and happy with shorter walks, which makes them a good match for older adults and first-time dog owners.

Ask the rescue about the dog's health and vet history. Many rescues charge less to adopt a senior dog.

Many small dogs live to 15 or older, so a senior dog can still be part of your family for years.

Rescues with senior dogs near Castro Valley

Questions about adopting senior dogs in Castro Valley

How many senior dogs are up for adoption in Castro Valley?

As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Castro Valley, California, have 28 senior dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.

Where can I adopt a senior dog in Castro Valley?

The rescues with the most senior dogs near Castro Valley right now are Oakland Animal Services (Oakland, ca), Umbrella of Hope (Pittsburg, CA) and Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (Burlingame, CA). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.

How old is a senior dog?

It depends on their size. Large and giant breeds are usually counted as seniors from about seven years old, and small dogs from about ten. Many small dogs live to 15 or older, so an older dog can still have plenty of years ahead.

Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a dog may have been adopted since this page was updated.