Senior Dogs for Adoption in Merced, CA: 10 Older Dogs Looking for a Home

Rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Merced have 60 senior dogs up for adoption. Here are the 10 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.

Not in Merced? Find dogs near your zip code.

1. Big Mack

Senior · Male · Labrador Retriever (short coat) · 54 mi from Merced

Big Mack, a senior male Labrador Retriever dog up for adoption

Big Mack – Black English Male, Approx. 10 Years Old, 80 lbs.
Big Mack is the epitome of the English Labrador Retriever, and according to his foster, the epitome of perfection!
This big, lovable boy gets along with everyone and everything. He loves his food, loves to snooze, loves his walkies, and most of all, loves being near his people. Honestly, what more could a Lab ask for?
His foster says she wishes she could have known him in his younger days, which tells you just how special this boy is.
Mack is one of the 11 neglected dogs Labrador Retriever Rescue of Fresno took in from a hoarding situation involving approximately 50 dogs. The lack of care was immediately evident, but Mack has come a long way since arriving in rescue. Today, he is neutered, vaccinated, heartworm tested, and microchipped. His horribly infected ears have healed. He also had several badly damaged teeth removed, and what a difference that made! Now he can eat and chew like a champ. Did someone say FOOD? Yep, Mack is a Lab through and through!
Mack is house-trained and crate-trained, although a crate isn't necessary. He enjoys the freedom to move about the house, whether it's daytime or bedtime. He does have some arthritis, common in older dogs, and receives pain management to help keep him comfortable.
Those wild puppy days are long behind him, and Mack is perfectly content with the simple pleasures in life. His favorite things, in no particular order, are:

2. Cameo

Senior · Female · Labrador Retriever (short coat) · 54 mi from Merced

Cameo, a senior female Labrador Retriever dog up for adoption

Cameo – Yellow English Female, 10ish years, 62 lbs.
Meet Cameo – A Sweet Senior Lady Looking for Her Forever Home
Cameo is one of the 11 dogs Labrador Retriever Rescue of Fresno welcomed from a difficult hoarding situation. She has had her veterinary checkup and received care for an ear infection and dry eyes. She is spayed, microchipped, and vaccinated, and she’s ready to begin a new chapter surrounded by love and comfort.
Cameo is about as easy going as they come! On a scale of 1 to 10 for craziness, she’s a 2. Her favorite activities include sleeping, enjoying a good back rub in the grass, and soaking up a little attention. She’s potty trained and has settled nicely into her foster home’s routine, especially when it comes to mealtime!
Her foster mom was pleasantly surprised when Cameo figured out how to use the potty bells to let her know she needed to go outside. What a smart girl!
Cameo also enjoys getting attention from people at the Clovis Farmers Market and calmly ignores the other dogs walking by. She’s a laid-back companion who doesn’t ask for much beyond a comfortable place to rest, some gentle affection, and someone to love.
After everything she has been through, Cameo deserves to spend her golden years knowing what it means to be cherished. If you have a soft spot for a sweet senior lady, Cameo might just be your perfect match.
Apply to adopt Cameo at labrescuefresno.org.
Her foster mom would love to tell you more about this special girl!

3. Maui

Senior · Male · American Pit Bull Terrier · 78 mi from Merced

Maui, a senior male American Pit Bull Terrier dog up for adoption

Hello everyone my name is Maui! I know I am on the older side but I am quite healthy and energetic. I know some commands and I especially listen if you have a treat! One thing to know about me is that I'm not a fan of cats! I am looking for a home where I can relax in a sunbeam and be your faithful companion! I am eligible for a Doggy Day Out, apply at www.spcamc.org/day-out to take me on an outing!

Adopt Maui fromThe SPCA for Monterey CountySalinas, CA · listed Oct 27

Call (831) 373-2631 Website Facebook

4. Saylor

Senior · Female · Labrador Retriever (short coat) · 54 mi from Merced

Saylor, a senior female Labrador Retriever dog up for adoption

Saylor – Black Female, 9 years young, 72 lbs.
MEET SAYLOR! After nine years, she's finally learning how to be a puppy!
Saylor came to us from a hoarding case involving 50 dogs. For nine years, she lived without many of the simple pleasures every dog deserves. She had never even known what a toy was.
Now, she's discovering just how much fun life can be!
This beautiful English Labrador proudly carries her toys around like a puppy, and watching her discover these simple joys will melt your heart.
A little about our sweet Saylor:

5. Larry

Senior (7 years 11 months) · Male · Unknown breed (short coat) · 93 mi from Merced

Larry, a senior male dog up for adoption

Meet Larry! 8 Years Young, Full of Love, and Still Waiting for His Forever Home!

Two years. That’s how long this handsome boy has been waiting for someone to choose him.

Meet Larry, an 8-year-old gentleman with a playful side, a sweet personality, and so much love left to give. He may not see the world the way other dogs do, but that hasn’t stopped him from enjoying it!

Larry is mostly blind, but he can still see light and shadows. Give him a little time to learn his surroundings, and he’ll map out his new home and navigate it with surprising confidence. He just needs a patient person willing to help him get settled.

6. Hershey

Senior · Male · Siberian Husky · 78 mi from Merced

Hershey, a senior male Siberian Husky dog up for adoption

Hi, I'm Hershey 🍫🐾 I'm a goofy Husky with a fun personality that will bring some fun into your life! If you're looking for an adventure buddy, I'm your guy. I've got high spirits for treats, playtime, and, of course, zoomies! I'm happiest when I'm chasing a toy, sniffing around, or showing off my silly Husky antics. I can get a little jumpy when I'm excited, so I'd do best in a home with kids 10+ who understand my husky antics! If you're ready for a playful, energetic, treat-loving goofball with a whole lot of Husky charm, come meet me! I'm currently available behind the scenes; please ask one of our customer care staff to meet me! I am also eligible for a Doggy Day Out, apply at www.spcamc.org/day-out to take me on an outing!

Adopt Hershey fromThe SPCA for Monterey CountySalinas, CA · listed Oct 11

Call (831) 373-2631 Website Facebook

7. Buddy Boy

Senior (13 years 8 months) · Male · Chihuahua / Mixed (short coat) · 81 mi from Merced

Buddy Boy, a senior male Chihuahua dog up for adoption

Buddy is a happy, spunky little guy with lots of personality! He tends to ignore other dogs and isn’t a big fan of cats, so he would be happy as an only pet or could potentially live with other calm dogs. Once Buddy warms up, he bonds strongly with his people and loves following them everywhere. He’s a great little car companion, loves being held, and is always up for some cuddles. With new people, Buddy likes to make his own decisions. Sometimes he needs a little time to warm up, while other times he decides he likes someone right away!

8. Emerald Green

Senior · Male · Chihuahua / Mixed (short coat) · 93 mi from Merced

Emerald Green, a senior male Chihuahua dog up for adoption

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.

9. Peridot GREEN

Senior · Female · Poodle (Miniature) / Dachshund / Mixed (medium coat) · 93 mi from Merced

Peridot GREEN, a senior female Poodle dog up for adoption

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.

10. Mooncalf Beast

Senior · Female · Maltese / Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie / Mixed (medium coat) · 93 mi from Merced

Mooncalf Beast, a senior female Maltese dog up for adoption

✨ 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.

Adopting a senior dog in Merced

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 Merced

Labrador Retriever Rescue of FresnoClovis, CA · 3 senior dogs above
Umbrella of HopePittsburg, CA · 3 senior dogs above
The SPCA for Monterey CountySalinas, CA · 2 senior dogs above
PAW Estate Rescue and Shelter IncVisalia, CA · 1 senior dog above
Every Pet's DreamSanta Clara, CA · 1 senior dog above

Questions about adopting senior dogs in Merced

How many senior dogs are up for adoption in Merced?

As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Merced, California, have 60 senior dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.

Where can I adopt a senior dog in Merced?

The rescues with the most senior dogs near Merced right now are Labrador Retriever Rescue of Fresno (Clovis, CA), Umbrella of Hope (Pittsburg, CA) and The SPCA for Monterey County (Salinas, 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.