Senior Dogs for Adoption in Gainesville, FL: 12 Older Dogs Looking for a Home
By Dogs of the Day · Updated

Rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Gainesville have 69 senior dogs up for adoption. Here are the 12 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 453
- Puppies 21
- Adult Dogs 359
- Kid-Friendly Dogs 58
- Cat-Friendly Dogs 29
- Small Dogs 33
- Large Dogs 24
Not in Gainesville? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Luke
Senior (12 years) · Male · Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 97 mi from Gainesville




Foster, Foster-to-Adopt, or Adopter Needed
Read more about Luke
Luke, aka Lukey Boy, is a very lovable approx. 12-year-old, 57lb Pit Bull Terrier mix. Don’t let his age fool you, this boy is healthy and has so much more life and love to give! Luke has a sad story - he was a Lil Rascal back in 2019. He was found tied to a railroad track, taken to the shelter, and put on the euthanasia list. Lil Rascals saved him just in time, and since 2019, he has been living a wonderful life until recently when his momma passed away. His life was turned upside down with no family, no home and nowhere to go. His momma's family couldn't keep him so he came back to Lil Rascals, and now is in boarding, living his life in a kennel, wondering what he did wrong.
Even though he is a senior, he has so much more love to give and wants nothing more than to give love back. His favorite thing to do is to be with his human(s). Whether that be lounging on the couch or going for a walk, having his human(s) with him is the best thing in life. People in general are Luke's favorite thing. Even when he first meets you, he acts like he’s known you his whole life and is so excited to see you! Whether you’re an adult, elder, or a child he absolutely loves everyone and everyone who has ever met this sweet boy loves him. With those big brown eyes and sweet disposition what’s not to love?
Luke is house trained and used to apartment life and also knows how to use a dog door. He can be left alone inside without issues. Unsure if he is crate trained. He loves to sleep on the couch, his dog bed, and at night cuddling next to his human(s). Luke does not get along with other dogs or cats. Not getting along with other dogs and cats is really his only down fall. He has been around chickens and cows through a fence and showed no interest. With dogs, he does fine when he is walking by on a leash. He has a tendency to pull while walking on a leash but otherwise does great on a leash.
One great thing about Luke? He doesn’t bark! Aside from the occasional whine or grunt because he’s hungry, wants attention or needs to go potty, this handsome boy doesn’t make a sound. He does extremely well in car rides. He has made the journey from Florida to Texas to eventually California and then back to Florida from California!
Luke is definitely a toy and treat guy. His favorite toys are anything with squeakers and tennis balls, he loves to play fetch! At 12, this boy can still jump! He also loves to get his “poop treat” after he goes potty. He also loves getting his pup cup at the coffee shop or treat from the sweet teller at the bank.
If you’re looking for a dog that has low to moderate energy to lounge around with, go for a walk, travel with, play fetch or tug of war, Luke is your guy. He will greet you like he hasn’t seen you in years and love and comfort you like there is nothing else better in this world to do. If you believe you have the perfect home for Luke to live out the remainder of his years, complete an app and tell us more about you.
- Good with kids
- Only dog
- No cats
- House-trained
2. Lex
Senior (8 years 9 months) · Male · Beagle · 43 mi from Gainesville










Lex is good with dogs, cats, and even chickens, but not a fan of the new crawling baby. Lex's family had loved him since he was a puppy but made the difficult decision to reach out to Southeast Beagle Rescue to find him a loving home. He has pleasantly suprised us with his vitality as he's still active enough to give squirrels a good chase and jumps for joy when he sees a leash... and he is pretty good on leash! He has enough energy to be fun but not so much that it's overwhelming. He's also shown us that he is able to handle new situations well. He was used to home-cooked meals (loves broccoli and oranges and of course chicken).
Read more about Lex
He was also used to having a dog door where he could go in and out as he pleased. But he's learning to gradually enjoy a bit of kibble now and then and also to ask to go out and come back in. We would really like to see him in a home with a fenced yard and a dog door again though. Lex wants to be around his people and is often curious to see what they are doing, but he is not a velcro dog and doesn't get stressed when foster mom is out of his sight. He is however very vocal and will let you know quickly if someone is walking down street. Lex's que to crate up is "Go home, Lex," and he is comfortable sleeping in his crate at night. But one thing that's especially important to him is having his blanket. He loves putting his nose underneath it and sometimes covers himself almost completely. Lex is usually a confident dog and isn't bothered by thunderstorms, fireworks, or loud noises. He's a smart boy and knows quite a few commands and tricks! He understands "Sit," "Lay down," "Come here," and "Leave it." He also knows "High five" and "Roll over." One of his fun tricks is "1, 2, 3, catch!" He knows to get ready to catch something when he hears the countdown. Lex can have that beagle stubborn streak and does not like being pushed off of furniture. Instead when he needs to follow directions, he responds to a countdown of "5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and of course chicken. This gorgeous guy is fully vetted and ready to go on sleepover.
- No young kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
3. Struesel
Senior · Male · Schnauzer / Mixed · 89 mi from Gainesville




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. Cubby
Senior (12 years) · Male · Dachshund / Mixed (medium coat) · 97 mi from Gainesville




NOTE: Cubby and Cici are bonded and must be adopted together:
Read more about Cubby
Meet Cubby and Cici. Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn, and two little hearts find themselves wondering what happened to their world they once knew. That’s what happened to Cubby and Cici. After a death in their family, these two beloved companions were surrendered to our rescue. Cubby, at 12 years old and Cici, at 9 years old, suddenly found themselves in an unfamiliar place, scared and confused. After years of knowing the comfort of home, everything they knew had changed. But with a little love, patience and affection, these two sweet souls are finding their way through again. They’re learning that there are still kind hands to pet them, loving arms to hold them and people who care.
Meet Cubby,, a little gentleman with a big heart! Cubby is a 12-year-old male dachshund with the most beautiful soft red fur and a heart full of love. He’s an affectionate, friendly little gentleman who seems to know that life is sweeter when you have someone special by your side and for Cubby, that someone is his best girl Cici. Cubby is a calm, quiet boy who doesn’t bark much but don’t mistake his quiet nature for a lack of personality. He’s always happy to welcome a kind person, enjoy a good pet, and soak up a little extra affection. He loves his walks meeting new people and stretching out in the yard to enjoy a little sunshine. Because of his friendliness, he will make a wonderful companion. Cubby also rides quietly, he is house trained on peepee pads, walks well on leash and enjoys frequent trips outside. At this stage of his life, Cubby isn’t asking for much - he wants the simple things: a soft place to rest, a gentle hand to pet him, a sunny spot in the yard, and someone who will love him for the sweet little soul he is. Most of all he wants his sweet little Cici close.
Meet Cici - Our precious little booty girl! Oh, sweet Cici! Where do we begin with this adorable 9-year-old yorky. She is the cutest little munchkin with a charming little sway and waddle to her walk. Her foster mom affectionately calls her "my little booty girl," and once you see her toddling along, you’ll understand why. She’s absolutely precious! Cici is a quiet little girl with a sweet personality and a special way of letting you know what she wants. Sometimes she’ll talk to you a little and I have a feeling she’s trying to tell me something important. Maybe she’d like a little pick up and to carry her around. Maybe she wants a little snack. Or perhaps she simply thinks it’s time for a little extra attention. After all, a girl deserves to be spoiled now and then. And Cici certainly knows how to melt your heart. She’s a loving little sweetheart who would be perfectly happy being carried around by her favorite person, enjoying the comfort of knowing she’s safe and loved. She has a gentle presence that makes you want to scoop her up, give her kisses and tell her everything‘s going to be all right. Cici is doing well with her house training - uses peepee pads - along with walks and backyard outings. She does great on a leash and loves going for walks and she’s great on car rides. But wherever Cici goes there is one very important companion she wants by her side, her beloved Cubby. Cubby and Cici are looking for a forever home together. They deserve to stay side-by-side, sharing their days with a family who will cherish and love them both now they are ready for their next chapter. Can you open your hearts to this sweet duo? If you live in the Central Florida/Orlando area and have the perfect home for Cubby and Cici, complete an app and tell us more about yourself.
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
5. Mia
Senior · Female · Terrier / Terrier / Mixed · 58 mi from Gainesville


This is Mia-a nine year old mixed terrier, weighing approximately 40 pounds. Her mom passed away recently.Mia is used to being an only child. Her mom loved taking her whenever she could. Mia is a great co-pilot in the car. She enjoys short walks, but an outside fenced yard is good too.Mia has no known health issues, is fully vetted, and crate trained. She just wants a person to love.
- Only dog
- No cats
- House-trained
6. Theresa
Senior (10 years 1 month) · Female · Beagle · 43 mi from Gainesville










Theresa LOVES to cuddle and she seems to be especially fond of her foster dad! Being near her people is definitely one of her favorite places to be. She fit right in upon arriving at her foster home, learned the doggie door quickly, and appears to be fully housebroken. She is fine being crated when the family is gone and also at night she sleeps in her crate in the bedroom. Of course… if she had it her way, she’d be snuggled up on the bed with you! She settles down easily and is just happy to be with you. She gets along great with the other dogs in her foster home and we think she would enjoy having a canine friend.
Read more about Theresa
She has a healthy respect for cats, she finds them fascinating but stays away from them. Theresa loves toys and is always ready for some fun. She’s respectful of the house — she’s only been caught chewing on something that wasn’t hers once. She enjoys exploring the backyard and taking in all the interesting smells and sounds around her. She’s sweet, affectionate, easy to live with, and has so much love to give. She doesn’t need a perfect home — she just needs a forever home where she can be loved, included, and allowed to be the cuddly, happy girl she is. Don’t let this beautiful girl get overlooked. She is ready to be someone’s very special dog — and someone is going to be incredibly lucky to call her theirs. She is heartworm negative and ready for a sleepover!
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
7. Cotton Ball
Senior · Male · Bichon Frise · 89 mi from Gainesville




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
8. Chuey
Senior · Male · Labrador Retriever · 89 mi from Gainesville




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
9. Penny
Senior · Female · Black Mouth Cur / Mixed · 58 mi from Gainesville




Penny is a beautiful Black Mouth Cur mix with a big personality and an even bigger heart! This sweet girl is full of life, love, and energy, and she’s searching for a forever family who will appreciate everything she has to offer.Penny is an athletic, fun-loving girl who enjoys staying active! Whether she’s taking long walks on the beach, joining you for a run, or romping around in a fenced-in backyard, she’s always up for a little adventure. But what Penny loves most is spending time with her favorite people! She’s incredibly affectionate and happiest when she’s getting plenty of love, attention, and quality time with her humans.Penny would thrive in an active home where she can enjoy regular exercise and lots of companionship.
Read more about Penny
She’s crate trained, fully vetted, up to date on her vaccinations, and would do best as the only dog in the home, where she can soak up all the love and attention for herself!With her sweet nature, playful spirit, and endless love for her people, Penny has so much to offer the family lucky enough to call her their own. All she’s missing is someone to share life’s adventures and quiet moments with!If you’re interested in adopting this beautiful girl, please visit AylasAcres.org and submit an adoption application.
- Good with kids
- Only dog
- No cats
- House-trained
10. Patience
Senior (8 years 2 months) · Female · Beagle · 43 mi from Gainesville






*ADOPTION FEE SPONSORED BY: ACCORDING TO ELLIE *Patience is kind of the Betty White of Dogdom. She is sweetly innocent, always cheerful with a wagging tail, but there's a mischievous glint in her eye that says she's ready to play the clown and get goofy. She definitely has a joie de vivre. Her name is really appropriate for a couple of reasons. She most likely had a past that required forbearance and long-suffering. Probably had a lot of babies. It also takes patience to walk her as this girl is not going anywhere fast AND wants to smell everything along the way. She is great at going potty outside but you do have to make sure she goes outside regularly.
Read more about Patience
She is extremely food motivated so the tiniest little treat will get her on her way out the door. She is friendly to other dogs but doesn't really need them around. She appreciates so much the kindness shown to her and petting and belly rubs of course are very obviously enjoyed. She is fine being crated and will not eliminate in the crate. She occasionally gives a funny little bark but she's mostly very quiet. She has had a good dental cleaning with only 4 extractions along with a few growths removed - two around her eye which concerned us just because of their location.This lovely senior girl is negative for heartworms but does have a little arthritis and a heart murmur. She is currently taking Dasaquin and she recently had an echocardiogram for her heart murmur and she is maintaining heart function well on Vetmedin and Benazepril. Patience is a calm and quiet companion to share life with and providing for her in her later years would be a gift.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
11. Barnett
Senior (12 years 3 months) · Male · Beagle · 43 mi from Gainesville










*ADOPTION FEE SPONSORED BY: ACCORDING TO ELLIE *Barnett may be an older gentleman but he has such a young spirit! He is active, seeks out and engages with his humans and loves to explore the backyard in his foster home. He's such a happy boy and his tail is always wagging! Barnett has mastered the doggie door and his house training is going well, although not perfect yet. Foster mom is taking him to weekly obedience classes to socialize and he's quickly learning come and sit. He is doing well walking on a leash too. We are hoping he will also learn stay, wait, and leave it ...we will see! When Barnett meets new people he gets excited but calms quickly, and on walks he has been friendly with all the dogs we've introduced him to, even if they were not as friendly or welcoming to him.
Read more about Barnett
However, we do believe that Barnett will do best as an only dog. He shows occasional curiosity towards the cat, but redirects easily. He has also done well interacting with children. He has spotted squirrels, frogs and lizards in the yard and loves chasing them yet has never gotten close to catching them. He likes bones or bully sticks and will carry them around with him, and he occasionally plays with stuffed toys. He is VERY food motivated!! At night Barnett sleeps in his doggie bed or crate in his foster mom's bedroom or on her bed. When foster mom leaves for work, Barnett does bark and has some anxiety if he sees her leave, so she gives him a frozen dog treat or toy to distract him for a while. If he doesn’t see her leave, he transitions well to being alone. In the beginning, Barnett was not really a lap dog, but the longer he is in his foster home, the more affectionate he is becoming! He loves head scratches and praise and is starting to want snuggle and curl up with foster mom to nap. We would really like to see Barnett in a home that can show patience and kindness and also maybe provide him a fenced yard where he can explore. SPECIAL NOTE: Barnett is heartworm positive and, after doing x-rays, we were advised to do Doxycycline and Proheart and retest him in 9 months, and not to do the injections at this time. We would still love to see him get adopted and would certainly be willing to discuss his treatment plan and possibly making our future financial support for that a provision of the Adoption Agreement.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
12. Snowee
Senior · Male · Terrier / Mixed · 89 mi from Gainesville




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
Adopting a senior dog in Gainesville
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 Gainesville
- SouthEast Beagle Rescue Inc.Dunnellon, FL · 4 senior dogs above
- Polka Dogz Pet REscue, INc.oakland, fl · 4 senior dogs above
- Lil Rascals Dog RescueOsteen, FL · 2 senior dogs above
- Ayla's Acres No-Kill Animal RescueSt. Augustine, FL · 2 senior dogs above
Questions about adopting senior dogs in Gainesville
How many senior dogs are up for adoption in Gainesville?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Gainesville, Florida, have 69 senior dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a senior dog in Gainesville?
The rescues with the most senior dogs near Gainesville right now are SouthEast Beagle Rescue Inc. (Dunnellon, FL), Polka Dogz Pet REscue, INc. (oakland, fl) and Lil Rascals Dog Rescue (Osteen, 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.