Senior Dogs for Adoption in Bradenton, FL: 11 Older Dogs Looking for a Home
Rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Bradenton have 35 senior dogs up for adoption. Here are the 11 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.
- All dogs 306
- Puppies 21
- Adult Dogs 232
- Kid-Friendly Dogs 65
- Cat-Friendly Dogs 14
- Small Dogs 39
- Large Dogs 11
Not in Bradenton? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Bella
I HAVE A SPONSORED ADOPTION - $0 TO ADOPT ME!
Dr. Dennis Boelter owned Akron (Ohio) Animal Clinic and Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital (Akron, Ohio) for 43 years. A tragic accident took Dr. Boelter’s life in December of 2017. As a tribute to Dr. Boelter, a very special Canine Castaways supporter will pay the adoption fee for this dog's adoption.
For more information on "Boelter's Bunch", please visit http://www.caninecastaways.org/special-adoption-programs
Please consider opening your heart and home to a senior dog!
Read more about Bella
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING THE FIRST STEP IS TO FILL OUT AN ADOPTION APPLICATION ON OUR WEBSITE AT:
https://www.caninecastaways.org/adoption-application
IF A PET IS LISTED THEN THEY ARE AVAILABLE - WE KEEP OUR LISTINGS UP TO DATE AND REMOVE AS SOON AS ADOPTED.
NAME: Bella
BREED: Yorkie
SEX: Female
COLOR: cream/tan
AGE: 12 yrs, 7 months as of Oct 2026
WEIGHT: 10 lbs
SOME COOL INFORMATION ABOUT ME:
Bella is a very sweet girl that was originally adopted from Canine Castaways in 2020 and found her way back to us through no fault of her own. She loves to go for walks but is pee pad trained from her previous home. She is good with other dogs and would love someone that is home a lot that can spend time with her in her golden years.
More info to come as we get to know her again.
If you are interested in adopting please complete our Adoption Application by copying and pasting the following link into your web browser: http://www.caninecastaways.org/adoption-application
For a full list of dogs we currently have for adoption use this link: https://www.caninecastaways.org/adoptable-dogs
MEDICAL INFO:
The following has been or will be done for this dog...
- Basic Exam by Veterinarian
- Spayed or Neutered
- Heartworm Tested
- Placed on heartworm preventive
- Geriatric Bloodwork
- Microchipped
- Intestinal Parasite Exam and medication
- Vaccinations
- Placed on flea preventive
- Dental, if needed
ADOPTION DONATION:
$150
This adoption donation helps to cover the vet expenses for this dog including heartworm preventive which is dispensed at the initial vet visit and then goes with the dog at adoption. All vet records will be provided to adopter.
Visit us at www.caninecastaways.org
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
2. Ruby Red
Ruby is a tiny girl who came from a rural Georgia shelter with almost no hair and
red skin… thus the name Ruby. Since being with TBBR she has been treated and her hair is
growing back rapidly. She is about 9 years old. Apparently she was a bit of a runner but I have not see that here. Ruby is all love. She is very smart and a tiny bit sassy if you don’t make her breakfast fast enough. She is very sweet and friendly. She is crate trained and doggy door trained. She is great with other dogs. She is not cat tested but she is not aggressive in anyway with adults or dogs so may do well with cats also.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
3. Struesel
At 15 years old and 18 pounds, Struesel is a sweet little Schnauzer mix who has mastered the art of being absolutely lovable! This gentle senior boy is loving, curious, and happiest when he can curl up with his people.Struesel may be a senior, but he still has plenty of curiosity about the world around him. He enjoys taking things in at his own pace and being part of whatever his people are doing. Most of all, he simply wants to feel loved, safe, and cherished.This adorable little guy has so much love left to give and would make a wonderful companion for someone looking for a sweet, affectionate and loyal little friend.
Read more about Struesel
Struesel is ready to spend his golden years surrounded by love—and he deserves nothing less. PLEASE NOTE: All your current pets must be spayed/neutered, vaccinated and on heartworm prevention to adopt from Polka Dogz. We only adopt in Florida. All adoption fees go to help all the dogs in the rescue, some of which require extensive medical care. Thank you for caring for the greater good. Adoption fee is $150 and you can adopt me at www.polkadogz.org.
- Good with dogs
4. Cassius
Meet Cassius
Cassius is an 8-year-old boy looking for a special home with someone who understands deaf dogs and is willing to give him the time and patience he needs to build trust.
Because he is deaf and hasn't had much socialization, he can be fearful of unfamiliar people and situations. He needs someone who understands that trust takes time and will allow him to adjust at his own pace.
I don't believe Cassius has had the opportunity to learn that the world can be a safe place, but he's making wonderful progress in foster care.
At first, he wasn't comfortable being touched. Now he lets me pet him and even kiss him on top of his sweet little head.
Read more about Cassius
He's also become my little shadow, following me everywhere I go.
We've also discovered he loves helping with the dishwasher! Every time I open it, there he is. If I turn my back for even a second, he's right up on the door, supervising the entire operation. Apparently, he takes his kitchen duties very seriously!
Cassius also loves food! Whenever I'm eating, he gets so excited that he jumps up and down, hoping I'll share a bite. His personality is really starting to shine through.
He's also making great progress with house training. He knows how to use a doggy door, and in the last 48 hours, he's only had one accident.
Medical Information
Cassius is deaf and heartworm positive. He has completed the oral medication portion of his heartworm treatment and is expected to begin his heartworm injections in approximately one week. He will need continued veterinary care and activity restrictions during treatment and recovery.
The Home Cassius Needs
His ideal adopter will be someone experienced with fearful or reactive dogs who understands that trust takes time. A quiet, predictable home with people who can recognize his body language, avoid startling him, and respect his need for space would be best. Introductions to new people and other animals should be slow and carefully managed.
Cassius has already made tremendous progress, and I believe he will continue to blossom with the right person.
At eight years old, he deserves a home where he can finally feel safe, loved, and understood.
- Good with dogs
5. Cotton Ball
Meet Cotton Ball, a 17-year-old Bichon with a heart full of love and a zest for life! This sweet, spunky senior boy may be a little older, but he certainly hasn’t lost his playful spirit. Cotton Ball enjoys having fun, loves a good nap, and is happiest when he’s getting attention and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.He’s proof that age is just a number, and he’s ready to spend his golden years surrounded by love, comfort, and a family who will cherish his sweet personality. If you’re looking for a special senior who still has plenty of personality and love to give, Cotton Ball may be your perfect little companion! PLEASE NOTE: All your current pets must be spayed/neutered, vaccinated and on heartworm prevention to adopt from Polka Dogz.
Read more about Cotton Ball
We only adopt in Florida. All adoption fees go to help all the dogs in the rescue, some of which require extensive medical care. Thank you for caring for the greater good. Adoption fee is $150 and you can adopt me at www.polkadogz.org.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
6. Toosie
We take the dogs that are adopted down...so if a dog is on the website they are available.
Obedience training and fully fenced in yard is required for all our pups. Completion certificate for training needs to be emailed once complete. When applying pictures/videos of your fully enclosed yard is needed.
Please only send inquiries to the email in this bio all others will not be answered. Please read the bio before sending questions - we answer all we know about the dog here. If the question is not answered in the bio please send emails to info@HeidisLegacyDogRescue.com
Read more about Toosie
Meet Toosie ❤️
At 17 years young, Toosie is a Chihuahua with a whole lot of love left to give. This sweet senior may
enjoy his beauty sleep, but don’t let his age fool you — he still gets the occasional case of the
zoomies and has plenty of spunk! Toosie has spent much of his life surrounded by his beloved
siblings, who sadly crossed the rainbow bridge recently. Now, he’s looking for a special person to help
him feel safe, loved, and comforted as he enters his retirement years.
Toosie is a harmless, happy little guy who enjoys the simple things in life. He loves going for walks
and taking his time to sniff every blade of grass along the way. When he’s not out exploring, he’s
perfectly content to curl up and enjoy a cozy nap.
What Toosie wants most is someone who will spend quality time with him, give him plenty of affection,
and let him enjoy his golden years at his own pace. He doesn’t need a lot — just a loving home, a
gentle heart, and someone who will appreciate the wonderful senior companion he is.
If you have room in your heart for a sweet little Chihuahua who still has plenty of love (and a few
zoomies!) to share, Toosie would love to meet you.
Toosie's Adoption fee is $300
To apply to foster or adopt please fill out application at
www.heidislegacydogrescue.com/apply-to-foster-or-adopt
Thank you for completing the application. We are all volunteers and short on time, we will contact you back only if we have more questions or your application is approved and you will be invited to meet the dog. We apologize for not being able to answer everyone back.
For more information contact info@HeidisLegacyDogRescue.com
DOGS are in Foster Homes. There is NO shelter.
Our companions MUST live in your home as part of your family.We do not transport.
**See our website for more information. www.HeidisLegacyDogRescue.com
All communication is thru email only so please be patient with us. We are all volunteers and work full time jobs and have families of our own.
The more complete the application the easier it is for us to process it. Please notify your vet that we will be contacting them and to release information to us. If you don't hear from us we have
chosen a home better matched for the dog's needs. We apologize for not being able to answer everyone back.
ADOPTION PROCESS:
1. Complete this application
www.heidislegacydogrescue.com/apply-to-foster-or-adopt
***Everyone must submit an application - we only keep them on file for 30 days
2. Application background check, vet check, etc
3. Invitation thru email only to meet the dog(s).
If you don't hear from us we have
chosen a home better matched for the dog's needs
4. Adoption Contract
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
7. Chuey
Chuey is a 10-year-old Labradoodle with a heart full of love and a personality that will make you smile! Don’t let his age fool you—this sweet boy is still spunky, playful, fun, happy, and full of energy. Chuey loves enjoying life and is always ready for some fun and adventure.He’s the kind of boy who brings happiness wherever he goes and would love nothing more than to find a family who will shower him with love and let him enjoy all the good things life has to offer. If you’re looking for a sweet senior with a playful spirit and plenty of personality, Chuey may be your perfect match! PLEASE NOTE: All your current pets must be spayed/neutered, vaccinated and on heartworm prevention to adopt from Polka Dogz.
Read more about Chuey
We only adopt in Florida. All adoption fees go to help all the dogs in the rescue, some of which require extensive medical care. Thank you for caring for the greater good. Adoption fee is $400 and you can adopt me at www.polkadogz.org.
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
8. Jack
Meet Jack, a sweet 11-year-young gentleman with the biggest heart.
Jack is truly an oldie but a goodie, but don’t let his age fool you—he’s still got plenty of pep in his step! He enjoys the simple things in life, whether that’s soaking up the sunshine during a cozy nap or heading out on a new adventure.
Jack is quiet, easygoing, and non-reactive. He loves people watching from the porch and taking in everything happening around him. And when his playful side comes out, it’s absolutely adorable! You’ll find him rolling around in the grass, running at the start of his walks, or even chasing waves at the beach.
Jack is so easy to be around, and all he really wants is someone to share his golden years with. If you’re looking for a loving, laid-back companion with just the right amount of playful spirit, Jack might be your perfect match.
Come on! Submit an application and come meet this senior sweetie today!
https://animalrefugecenter.com/adoption-application
Read more about Jack
My ideal home:
I just need a loving family to cuddle up with
I'm good with:
Some Other Dogs
Young Children
Older Children
Men
Women
Date of birth Oct 2015
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
9. Charlie
Hi, I'm Charlie — I've come out of my shell since arriving at DARE. I've got a great appetite, and I wake up every morning happy and bouncy, ready to run with the pack, chase squirrels, water the field, and investigate every tortoise hole I can find. Not bad for a 13-year-old, if I do say so myself.
My Ideal Home
Good with kids, cats, small dogs, and everyone in the house — but I do best as an only dog or with small dog/cat companions only, since I'm not great with big dogs. I love sleeping in bed with my people (or in my crate, if that's the house rule), and I'm house-trained, crate-trained, and up for leashed walks with plenty of sniffing.
Read more about Charlie
A Few Important Things to Know
- Not a fan of big dogs: I do best as the only dog, or alongside small dogs and cats. Big dogs aren't my thing.
- Thunderstorm anxiety: Storms make me nervous — a calm, comforting space during bad weather goes a long way with me.
What I Bring to the Table
I've got morning energy, a zest for squirrel-chasing, and a curiosity about the world that most pups half my age would envy. I'm sweet, I listen well, and I'd be forever grateful to the person who gives me a soft (and adventurous) place to land for my golden years.
If you know I'm your forever pup, fill out an adoption application at daretorescue.org/adoption-application — and don't forget to put Charlie on your application!
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
10. Snowee
At 12 years young, Snowee is proof that the best companions only get sweeter with age. This handsome Terrier mix is a gentle, loving soul who forms a special bond with his person and will happily follow you from room to room, just content to be by your side.Snowee is the perfect blend of calm and playful. He enjoys leisurely walks and has wonderful leash manners, making him an excellent walking companion. When playtime is over, he's more than happy to curl up next to you for cuddles and quiet companionship. He's not a big barker and has a peaceful nature that makes him a joy to have around the house.Though Snowee is hard of hearing, it doesn't slow him down one bit.
Read more about Snowee
He's adapted beautifully and is also pee pad trained, making him an easy and comfortable addition to many different types of homes. All Snowee wants is a cozy bed, a loving family, and someone to share his golden years with.If you're looking for a loyal best friend with a heart full of love, Snowee is ready to make your house a home.PLEASE NOTE: All your current pets must be spayed/neutered, vaccinated and on heartworm prevention to adopt from Polka Dogz. We only adopt in Florida. All adoption fees go to help all the dogs in the rescue, some of which require extensive medical care. Thank you for caring for the greater good. Adoption fee is $300 and you can adopt me at www.polkadogz.org.
- Good with dogs
11. Mara & Emily
Meet Mara (red) & Emily (black & tan); aka Ginger & MaryAnn, lol. These bonded sisters are 12 years old & the sweetest pair ever! They are on the smaller size, weighing in at about 11 pounds each, are up-to-date on their shots & are spayed.
Both are potty trained as long as taken out regularly. They are crate trained & sleep the night thru together. They get along with other small dogs, not sure about cats or large dogs. Both are a little shy at first, but warm up to new people very quickly. Mara & Emily do well on a leash and enjoy lizard hunting in the backyard or sitting in the sun like most doxies.
Mara is a bit more special needs and has IVDD, so she gets a monthly Librella injection at the vet which keeps her mobile.
Read more about Mara & Emily
She gets around on her own & does not need any help pottying. Mara doesn’t do stairs but has learned to use a dog ramp to get to her favorite spot on the couch.
They both had horrible dental disease, so DARE recently had dentals done; Emily lost all her teeth & Mara still has about 4 remaining. Therefore, they are on soft foods.
They love snuggling together when they are not snuggling on the coach with their person. These two gals are very low key & easy going girls who would do best in a quiet home.
Mara & Emily MUST stay together & are being fostered in Orlando but travel very well in a car. If you think these two would make a good addition to your family, please fill out an adoption application & put their names on it. ♥
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
- Special needs
- Adopt together
Adopting a senior dog in Bradenton
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 Bradenton
- Polka Dogz Pet REscue, INc.oakland, fl · 4 senior dogs above
- Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue, Inc.Tampa, FL · 2 senior dogs above
- Dachshund Adoption Rescue & Education (DARE)Tampa, FL · 2 senior dogs above
- Canine Castaways, Inc.Arcadia, FL · 1 senior dog above
- Heidi's Legacy Dog RescueTampa, FL · 1 senior dog above
- Animal Refuge CenterNorth Fort Myers, FL · 1 senior dog above
Questions about adopting senior dogs in Bradenton
How many senior dogs are up for adoption in Bradenton?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Bradenton, Florida, have 35 senior dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a senior dog in Bradenton?
The rescues with the most senior dogs near Bradenton right now are Polka Dogz Pet REscue, INc. (oakland, fl), Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue, Inc. (Tampa, FL) and Dachshund Adoption Rescue & Education (DARE) (Tampa, FL). 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.