New Bedford, MA

Senior Dogs for Adoption in New Bedford, MA: 8 Older Dogs Looking for a Home

Senior Dogs up for adoption near New Bedford, MA

Rescues and shelters within 50 miles of New Bedford have 15 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. Pecan Sandy LOCAL MEET ME

Senior (8 years 5 months) · Female · Feist / Mixed · 41 mi from New Bedford

To apply to adopt this dog now, complete our adoption application
HERE
To see our upcoming events where you can meet some of our dogs,
please see
HERE

If not adopted beforehand, this dog will attend the Super Dog Adoption Event on Saturday, November 7th at Clark Farms in Matunuck, RI. Learn more about this event and sign up for 10am Early Entry HERE

Age: 8 years
Weight: 36 lbs (as of 10/30/26)

This dog has been spayed/neutered, is up to date on shots, on heartworm preventative and is microchipped.

Read more about Pecan Sandy LOCAL MEET ME

Looking for a loyal companion who is the perfect blend of playful energy and expert cuddling? Meet
Pecan Sandy
! Just like the classic cookie, this 8-year-old Feist mix is sweet, comforting, and guaranteed to brighten your day.

Don't let the "senior" tag fool you—Pecan Sandy still has plenty of that classic Feist spirit! She loves going for brisk walks, exploring the neighborhood, and keeping a watchful eye on the backyard squirrels. But once playtime is over, she excels at her true passion: curling up right next to you on the couch for a long, cozy nap.

Pecan Sandy is the perfect size for any home and is looking for a family to shower with love in her golden years. If you’re looking for a devoted, well-mannered, and endlessly affectionate best friend, Pecan Sandy is ready to pack her bags and join your heart!

An adoption donation is required for each adoption; please see HERE for more information about this.

To apply for this dog, fill out an adoption application on our website:

Adoption Application - SOS Animal Rescue League in Rhode Island (sosarl.org)

**Additional info you should know - For most of our dogs, we are only guessing at predominant breed or breed mix. We get to know each of our dogs as an individual and do our best to describe and place them based on personality not breed label. Some dogs may not yet be in New England, nor ready for immediate adoption. There may be additional vetting, quarantine, waiting periods and/or fees depending upon your state of residence. If you have questions or concerns on any of this, you can discuss this with your Adoption Counselor.

  • Good with dogs
Adopt Pecan Sandy LOCAL MEET ME fromSave One Soul Animal Rescue LeagueWakefield, RI · listed Oct 30

2. Benny in TX

Senior (9 years 11 months) · Male · Dachshund / Mixed (medium coat) · 29 mi from New Bedford

Age: approx 10 years old
Weight: 20 lbs
My adoption fee is $399 which includes transportation charges to the Northeast.

If you serious about adopting, the first step is to fill out an adoption application on our website: https://www.smalldogrescuene.org/

  • Good with dogs
Adopt Benny in TX fromSmall Dog Rescue of New England, IncCranston, RI · listed Oct 28

3. Dakota and Moose

Senior (11 years 3 months) · Female · Dachshund (short coat) · 20 mi from New Bedford

Bonded Duo Looking for Their Forever Home ❤️

Dakota and her brother, Moose, are searching for a forever home where they can stay together! At nearly 12 years young, this sweet duo have unexpectedly found themselves in need of a new family. But don't let their senior status fool you—these two still have plenty of love for life and so much love to give!

Meet Dakota ❤️

Dakota likes to stay fit with a good round of zoomies! Once she's finished her daily workout, her favorite place is curled up next to her person for a good snuggle. After all, even a busy little wiener girl needs her beauty rest!

Read more about Dakota and Moose

Dakota is a healthy little girl who recently had a dental procedure that included 8 extractions, along with a full blood panel. She's recovered well, is up to date on all vaccinations, and is microchipped. ❤️

Meet Moose

Moose has mastered the art of enjoying the simple things in life: eating, napping, and snuggling! ❤️ This handsome boy knows that life is better with a full belly, a cozy place to snooze, and someone nearby to shower him with affection.

At nearly 12, Moose has his priorities straight—and honestly, we think he's onto something! Who needs a packed schedule when you can enjoy good food, sweet dreams, and lots of love?

The Perfect Pair ❤️

Dakota and Moose share a special bond and are looking for a family who will open their hearts and home to both of them. Dakota can keep you entertained with her zoomies, while Moose will remind you of the importance of slowing down and enjoying a good nap. Together, they're the perfect balance of fun and relaxation!

These sweet seniors deserve to spend their golden years surrounded by love, comfort, and all the cuddles they can handle.

Two little wieners, twice the love, and one very special forever home needed! ❤️

Could you be the happy ending Dakota and Moose are waiting for? Please consider giving this bonded duo the loving home they deserve.

Dakota and Moose are:

House trained if kept on schedule

Great on leash

Excellent car riders

Friendly with other small dogs

Wonderful with older, respectful children

This loving duo have spent their entire lives together and are looking for a family willing to give them the love, comfort, and security they deserve for their golden years. In return, they'll reward you with endless companionship, laughter, and twice the love.

Could your home be the forever home they have been waiting for?g

Adoption Fee for the Dynamic Duo: $600

Available for Adoption in New England Only

Apply Only at: www.paw-affectionrescue.or

  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
  • Adopt together
Adopt Dakota and Moose fromPaw-Affection Dachshund Rescue, Inc.Taunton, Ma · listed Oct 13

4. Petey Clark

Senior (12 years 10 months) · Male · Rat Terrier / Beagle / Mixed (short coat) · 29 mi from New Bedford

Adoption Donation
$
199

Located: New England

Age: approx 12 years old

Weight: 26 lb

Meet Petey. This very good boy came to us as an owner surrender because his owner experienced serious health issues, and he's relaxing in his foster home while he waits to be discovered by a second chance family.

Read more about Petey Clark

Petey is 12 years old, a rat terrier mix, and he's had the benefit of great care and socialization for his entire life. He's gentle, well mannered, great with other dogs, and he meets people well. Petey loves car rides, naps, treats, and getting affection, and he settles in nicely to new routines. He's pretty quiet and sedate most of the time, but there are two things to get him going – one is food! Petey has a hearty appetite and jumps around like a puppy when he knows he's going to get a treat or a meal. He's also crazy about balls! He loves to play with any type of ball and loves to play fetch, but he has not mastered the "bringing the ball back" concept but he will play all day with a ball.

He's a little hard of hearing, but otherwise very healthy for a dog his age! He's also neutered and entirely up-to-date with vaccinations and vet care. We're told that he's not a fan of cats and we're looking for a cat free home for him. He would also probably be happiest as an only pet because that's what he's used to. He's very submissive with other dogs, but does seem intimidated by the other dogs in his foster home even though they're much smaller than him. He doesn't cause any trouble or have any aggression, but it does seem that other dogs make him nervous, especially when they play together.

Petey is looking for a quiet home where he can relax and enjoy his golden years, and he's going to be a wonderful companion for someone who loves older dogs as much as we do.

If you are interested in adopting me, please fill out an application on our website www.fohari.org and email my foster parent for more information:
mkclark7@comcast.net

Please verify the location and readiness of this dog with us. Because we save lives from various locations through out the United States, some dogs may not be in New England yet, nor ready for immediate adoption.

  • Good with dogs
  • No cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Petey Clark fromFriends of Homeless Animals, Inc.Saunderstown, RI · listed Sep 24

5. Knight Medeiros

Senior (11 years 1 month) · Male · Pekingese / Boston Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 29 mi from New Bedford

Adoption Donation
$
299

Located: RI

Age: approx 11 years old

Weight: 11

Read more about Knight Medeiros

Meet Knight. This senior boy has had the benefit of lots of love for his entire life but unfortunately, the family he was raised with had some changes and one of the resident dogs became highly aggressive to him. His former owner made the heartbreaking decision to surrender him to rescue for his own safety, and we've brought him into foster care. He is a Boston/Pekingese mix, and an absolute, sweetheart! Knight is very well socialized and meets people well, he's great with other dogs, he is loving, affectionate and a really nice dog. We've gotten him to the vet to get him up-to-date on shots and have scheduled his neuter, and he's looking for a safe and loving retirement home.

If you are interested in adopting me, please fill out an application on our website www.fohari.org and email my foster parent for more information: diliam2004@yahoo.com

Please verify the location and readiness of this dog with us. Because we save lives from various locations through out the United States, some dogs may not be in New England yet, nor ready for immediate adoption.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
Adopt Knight Medeiros fromFriends of Homeless Animals, Inc.Saunderstown, RI · listed Aug 26

6. Scooby & Pepper

Senior (12 years 5 months) · Male · Dachshund (short coat) · 20 mi from New Bedford

Bonded Duo Looking for Their Forever Home ❤️

Scooby and his brother, Pepper, are searching for a forever home where they can stay together. At 12 years young, these sweet boys have unexpectedly found themselves in need of a new family. Don't let their age fool you—they have plenty of energy, love life, and still act much younger than their years!

Meet Scooby

Scooby enjoys his walks but his favorite exercise happens indoors! Every single day, he proudly empties the toy box to make sure every squeaky toy still squeaks. Every. Toy. Every. Day. It's one of his many charming quirks that is sure to make you smile.

Read more about Scooby & Pepper

Scooby does resource guard his bones, so mealtime and special treats are best managed appropriately. He and Pepper have always been the only dogs in their home and would love to remain the center of someone's world. However, they could happily live with another respectful, easygoing dog that understands Scooby's boundaries and won't interfere with his prized bones.

Scooby is a healthy little guy who recently had a dental procedure that included 13 extractions, along with a full blood panel and removal of a small growth on his chest. He has recovered well, is up to date on all vaccinations, and is microchipped.

Meet Pepper

Pepper likes to stay fit by chasing squirrels and chipmunks and enjoying long walks on leash. When he's finished with his daily workout, his favorite place is curled up next to his person for a good snuggle.

Pepper is a healthy little guy who recently had a dental procedure that included 18 extractions, along with a full blood panel and removal of a large fatty tumor. He has recovered well, is up to date on all vaccinations, and is microchipped.

The Perfect Pair

Scooby and Pepper are:

House trained
Great on leash
Excellent car riders
Friendly with other small dogs
Wonderful with older, respectful children

These loving brothers have spent their entire lives together and are looking for a family willing to give them the love, comfort, and security they deserve for their golden years. In return, they'll reward you with endless companionship, laughter, and twice the love.

Could your home be the forever home Pepper and Scooby have been waiting for?

Pepper is a healthy little guy who recently had a dental procedure that included 18 extractions, along with a full blood panel and removal of a large fatty tumor. He has recovered well, is up to date on all vaccinations, and is microchipped.

Pepper is a healthy little guy who recently had a dental procedure that included 18 extractions, along with a full blood panel and removal of a large fatty tumor. He has recovered well, is up to date on all vaccinations, and is microchipped

If you have an app on file with us you do not need to fill out an application, just shoot us an email at: pawaffectionrescue@gmail.com

Available for adoption in New England States only.

Apply at: www.paw-affectionrescue.org

Adoption Fee for the Duo: $750.00

MA Registration #0152

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
  • Adopt together
Adopt Scooby & Pepper fromPaw-Affection Dachshund Rescue, Inc.Taunton, Ma · listed Jul 6

7. Pepper & Scooby

Senior (12 years 5 months) · Male · Dachshund (short coat) · 20 mi from New Bedford

Bonded Duo Looking for Their Forever Home ❤️

Pepper and his brother, Scooby, are searching for a forever home where they can stay together. At 12 years young, these sweet boys have unexpectedly found themselves in need of a new family. Don't let their age fool you—they have plenty of energy, love life, and still act much younger than their years! Although, not having a fenced in secure area for the boys to hunt is not a deal breaker, it's is definitely preferred.

Meet Pepper

Read more about Pepper & Scooby

Pepper likes to stay fit by chasing squirrels and chipmunks and enjoying long walks on leash. When he's finished with his daily workout, his favorite place is curled up next to his person for a good snuggle.

Pepper is a healthy little guy who recently had a dental procedure that included 18 extractions, along with a full blood panel and removal of a large fatty tumor. He has recovered well, is up to date on all vaccinations, and is microchipped.

Meet Scooby

Scooby enjoys his walks just as much as Pepper, but his favorite exercise happens indoors! Every single day, he proudly empties the toy box to make sure every squeaky toy still squeaks. Every. Toy. Every. Day. It's one of his many charming quirks that is sure to make you smile.

Scooby does resource guard his bones, so mealtime and special treats are best managed appropriately. He and Pepper have always been the only dogs in their home and would love to remain the center of someone's world. However, they could happily live with another respectful, easygoing dog that understands Scooby's boundaries and won't interfere with his prized bones.

The Perfect Pair

Pepper and Scooby are:

House trained

Great on leash

Excellent car riders

Friendly with other small dogs

Wonderful with older, respectful children

These loving brothers have spent their entire lives together and are looking for a family willing to give them the love, comfort, and security they deserve for their golden years. In return, they'll reward you with endless companionship, laughter, and twice the love.

Could your home be the forever home Pepper and Scooby have been waiting for?

If you have an app on file with us you do not need to fill out an application, just shoot us an email at: pawaffectionrescue@gmail.com

Available for adoption in New England States only.

Apply at: www.paw-affectionrescue.org

Adoption Fee for the Duo: $750.00

MA Registration #0152

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
  • Adopt together
Adopt Pepper & Scooby fromPaw-Affection Dachshund Rescue, Inc.Taunton, Ma · listed Jul 6

8. Baby & Bae Bae Gatlin Bonded Pair

Senior (6 years 6 months) · Female · Terrier / Mixed (long coat) · 29 mi from New Bedford

FENCED YARD REQUIRED

Adoption Donation
$749 for the pr.

Located: RI (Transportation costs included to the Northeast , plz ask for more details)

Approx. Age: Baby is est. 6 years old and 7.8 lbs. DOB est. 5/18/2020

Bae Bae is est. 10 years old and 6.8 lbs. est 5/18/16

Bae Bae is 10 yrs old and is very spunky! She can climb out of a pen, and onto a railing outside! Needs constant supervision!! Baby is 6 yrs old, more laid back and more affectionate.

They both love to be held, and cuddled. They will make someone very happy.

Read more about Baby & Bae Bae Gatlin Bonded Pair

They will only eat Fresh Pet rolls. The treats they like are grilled steak nudges. They are soft and need to be broken into very small pieces.

They do everything together. Eat, sleep, play etc. they are a joy to have in my care.

If you are interested in adopting me, please fill out an application on our website www.fohari.org and email my foster parent for more information:
dreamer951@aol.com

Please verify the location and readiness of this dog with us. Because we save lives from various locations through out the United States, some dogs may not be in New England yet, nor ready for immediate adoption.

  • Good with dogs
  • Adopt together
Adopt Baby & Bae Bae Gatlin Bonded Pair fromFriends of Homeless Animals, Inc.Saunderstown, RI · listed May 10

Adopting a senior dog in New Bedford

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 New Bedford

Questions about adopting senior dogs in New Bedford

How many senior dogs are up for adoption in New Bedford?

As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 50 miles of New Bedford, Massachusetts, have 15 senior dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.

Where can I adopt a senior dog in New Bedford?

The rescues with the most senior dogs near New Bedford right now are Paw-Affection Dachshund Rescue, Inc. (Taunton, Ma), Friends of Homeless Animals, Inc. (Saunderstown, RI) and Save One Soul Animal Rescue League (Wakefield, RI). 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.