Senior Dogs for Adoption in Lancaster, PA: 9 Older Dogs Looking for a Home
Rescues and shelters within 50 miles of Lancaster have 14 senior dogs up for adoption. Here are the 9 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 273
- Puppies 63
- Adult Dogs 151
- Kid-Friendly Dogs 127
- Cat-Friendly Dogs 91
- Small Dogs 26
- Large Dogs 37
Not in Lancaster? Find dogs near your zip code.
1. Hazel
Hey there, I’m Hazel! A beautiful gray Pitty mix, 9 years young, with a heart full of love and a story that just might tug at yours. ❤️
Ya see, after giving my human 9 years of unconditional love, I slipped outside one rainy night. Instead of coming out to get me, he just shut the door. Yep, left me out in the rain! When found, my owner was contacted. He said he just didn’t have time for me anymore as d signed me away to a shelter.
OUCH! Talk about a broken heart! Nine years of loyalty, snuggles and devotion, and suddenly I was yesterday’s news. I was one depressed little gal, wondering what I’d done wrong.
Read more about Hazel
But the folks at the pound saw something my owner had forgotten. I’m SWEETER THAN SWEET! I still have a spring in my step, a twinkle in my eye and a whole lotta LOVE to give!
When I caught my Freedom Ride to Molly’s Place, I had a few young bucks along for the trip. Good grief, those whippersnappers got on my last nerve at first! But I’ve loosened up, joined in playtime, soaked up some sunshine and even learned to enjoy hanging out with the youngsters. No issues with other doggies here! Guess this old gal still knows how ta have a good time!
And don’t let my age fool ya! No senior moments here! I know how to SIT, take treats ever so GENTLY and walk pretty darn well on a leash. B
Now, I will admit, I’m a bit of a Velcro gal. After being left behind once, I’d much rather tag along with my family than sit home wondering where everybody went. I’m a people-loving, lap-warming, snuggle-bug kinda girl!
And with winter right around the corner, WHO NEEDS AN ELECTRIC BLANKET WHEN YA GOT HAZEL? I’ll keep ya warm n toasty! I also understand that the BEST things in life are love, loyalty and a comfy place beside my human.
So COME ON! Get off yer duff and come get this girl! Nine years old doesn’t mean my story is over. It just means I’m ready for the BEST CHAPTER YET!
I’m Hazel, and I may be a senior, but my LOVE has NO EXPIRATION DATE! ❤️
Kennel License #7198 To submit an adoption application, visit mollysplacerescue.org. Fill the form out completely, print, scan and email back to mollysplace@verizon.net. You must obtain pre-approval prior to visiting the dog or cat. Adoptions fees include the following: spay/neuter surgery, microchip and registration, age appropriate vaccinations, initial dewormings, Activyl for fleas, tested for FeLV and FIV (cats only), bubble bath prior to going home (dogs only) WE do not "HOLD" animals without an approved application and a non-refundable/non-transferable paid adoption fee. Adoptions are on a first come, first serve basis. We can not send extra pictures. WE do not ship, you must pick up the pet. Kitties must be transported in a secure cat carrier. Pooches require a "martingale" collar and a non-retractable leash.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
2. Sadie
Sadie the SweetPea is full of love and wants to tell you her story
After surviving years of neglect, look at her smile! She was rescued in Georgia where she finally received veterinary care and lots of TLC. This brave girl had to have most of her teeth removed because of the neglect. She is absolutely loving her yummy soft food and treats! Because of severe matting, she was shaved of all her hair and look at how soft and beautiful she is!
Read more about Sadie
Sadie is the most perfect lady: Her most favorite spot is on a soft pillow, bed or snuggled in a blanket. She is so laid-back and only wants to follow her human and look out the door to see what is up in the neighborhood. Walks are the highlight of her day!
Sadie gets along with dogs of all sizes and cats. She is spayed and current on vaccines and preventatives. Sadie is a 10 year old Shih Tzu mix; still needing to gain weight, Sadie loves her afternoon snacks, especially peanut butter balls!
This precious girl will wiggle her way into your heart in a minute, what are you waiting for? Come meet her in New Cumberland, PA.
LIC #9736
We are PA Caring for K-9's, an all-breed dog rescue that is solely run by volunteers. Most of our dogs are rescued from high kill shelters in the South. If the dog is posted, they are still available! Once arriving, these dogs enter foster homes, as we do not have a shelter. We cannot adopt out dogs to a home with dogs that are not fixed or up to date on shots. If interested in adopting, please submit an application online at www.pack9rescue.org. Our adoption fee for altered dogs is $350 and goes directly to saving the lives of more dogs. Our adoption fee for unaltered puppies will be $400 which includes a refundable $50 deposit upon receipt of spay/neuter certificate. Learn more about adopting from us or volunteering for us at www.pack9rescue.org or check us out on Facebook for more information and a complete list of dogs available for adoption. https://www.facebook.com/PaCaringForK9s/
See upcoming events below where PA Caring for K9’s will be with some of our adoptable dogs!
Saturday, October 17, 2026 10am-1pm Ciocca Subaru of York (1202 Loucks Rd, York, PA)
Sunday, October 25, 202612pm-3pm Paws, Protect, and Adopt - State Farm - Mike Murray (2780 Carlisle Rd York, PA)
Sunday, November 1, 2026 9am-12pm Gulliver's Run - Gifford Pinchot Park (Conewago Day Use Area - off Alpine Rd, Wellsville, PA)
Saturday, November 14, 2026 10am-1pm Ciocca Nissan of York (1212 Loucks Rd, York, PA)
Saturday, December 19, 2026 10am-1pm Lowe's East York (2449 E. Market St, York, PA)
Please check our Facebook page closer to each event as we will update daily with dogs who will be attending. All are invited to meet our dogs, but only pre-approved adopters with all household humans and dogs present will be able to adopt at the event. Apply today at https://pack9rescue.org/applications/
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
3. Sadie
NAME: Sadie
BREED: Golden Retriever Mix
BIRTHDAY: 2017
WEIGHT: 40lbs
ADOPTION FEE: $300
In a small town in Kosovo, a blind dog laid in the dirt. For one week she stayed, too afraid to move, in unimaginable pain from two damaged eyes. When help finally came, she was given a name and taken to a vet clinic, and Sadie's real life began.
Read more about Sadie
Upon arriving to us, Sadie was very nervous and shut down. She didn't want to eat or even go to the bathroom. However, she quickly learned to follow her foster sister outside, figured out that the cats rubbing on her were her friends, and began to trust that her foster mom would only feed and love her, not hurt her. She is very quiet, very house trained, and very sweet. Now that she's getting comfortable and feeling better post-eye removal, her goofy personality is starting to show! We can't run and play too much, since Sadie is also heartworm positive and currently undergoing treatment, but once she is out of the woods she's going to be such a fun dog to romp and play with! For now, we wrestle gently on the couch or in the yard, and she chases her tail when she gets a little bored. Overall Sadie is a very sweet, easy, and GOOD dog, and we are just happy we could help her!
***Sadie has been through a lot, and is almost completely blind. She can react (and has reacted) fearfully to new situations, and may bite if she feels threatened or trapped. It's obvious that she doesn't want to hurt anyone, but this is the only way she knows to defend herself. Her new family will need to be patient and go slow while she adjusts to yet another transition. A fenced yard is ideal and will make acclimation easier for her. Sadie will need to have daily eye drops for as long as her remaining eye is visual, but it's likely that she will be completely blind eventually and at that point the eye can be removed. This service will be covered by our rescue, at our vet or a similarly-priced clinic.
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
- Special needs
4. Rusty & Luna
Meet Rusty & Luna! These senior gals are looking for a soft landing together. They are bonded sisters and need to go to their furever home together.
They are very laid back and easy going, love to eat, love treats and are other small dog friendly. They are good with children over the age of 8. They are not cat friendly.
These girls are fully vetted and ready to go. Could they be your new family members? Apply for them at www.castawaycritters.org.
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- No cats
- House-trained
- Adopt together
5. Peppa
Meet Peppa!
At 8 years old, this little lady has officially been caught in a very serious lie.
She spent quite some time convincing everyone that she needed to be carried everywhere and that her tiny legs simply weren’t up to the job.
Well… the truth is out.
Those legs work just fine. And now that her secret is exposed, she’s proving she can do so much more than ride around in someone’s arms.
Read more about Peppa
Of course, she still absolutely enjoys being a lap dog and soaking up attention. But she’s also discovered that walking around is pretty fun—and she’d be perfectly happy tagging along as your little hiking buddy. And when something suspicious happens? She’ll be right there on guard duty, ready to make sure everyone knows she takes her job VERY seriously.
She’s a wonderful little companion who does well with respectful children over 8, other dogs, and cats. She has the perfect mix of cuddly companion, adventurous sidekick, and pint-sized security system.
So if you’re looking for a dog who can
snuggle on the couch, hit the trails, and protect the household from absolutely nothing in particular
, this girl has you covered!
Peppa has been spayed, microchipped, dewormed, and has had age appropriate vaccinations. If you are interested in adopting, apply on the Castaway Critters official website at https://www.castawaycritters.org/apply-to-adopt .
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
6. Eugene & Ethel
Well Eugene & Ethel REALLY deserved a better life than they were given!! They have lived outside all their lives and even the shelter seems like paradise to them! We can't wait to see them enjoy the ranch but what we would like even more is to find them an amazing home with a large fenced yard and a baby pool LOL where they can enjoy the rest of their lives feeling loved and adored. They are amazingly sweet!!!
- Good with dogs
- Adopt together
7. Fiona
Meet Fiona! Breed: Lab/Sheppherd Mix Estimated DOB: 02/01/2017 Sex: Female (spayed) Weight: 80 lbs Currently up to date on all age appropriate vaccinationsThings To Know about Fiona (AKA Fifi):• Returned to TLC after spending 8 years with her family, who could sadly no longer care for her• Such an old soul with a sweet, gentle personality - quiet and easygoing with everyone she meets• Quiet as a mouse in the house and perfectly happy keeping things low-key• Enjoys napping in the living room, rolling around in the grass like a goofball, and is always food motivated• Has really come out of her shell - she now gets so excited to greet her people when they come home, quite the change from the reserved girl she started as• Has fallen in love with walks and will gladly choose a stroll around the neighborhood over a car ride any day - walks beautifully on a leash and martingale collar and has grown so much more confident along the way• Doing better and better in busy, bustling environments each time she's out and about• Crate trained and considers her crate her safe little happy place• Housebroken• Dog friendly - living well alongside other dogs in her foster home• Cat friendly - gets along wonderfully with cats and has lived with them before• Would do best with older, gentle kids who respect her space• Makes a wonderful companion for someone who wants a sweet buddy to hang out with and enjoy short, leisurely walks togetherLearn more and apply to adopt at http://TLCrescuePA.org/adoptInterested in fostering? Join our 100% foster-based team at http://www.tlcrescuepa.org/foster PA Kennel License #9602#AdoptFiona #LabradorMix #TLCRescuePA
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
8. Mysti
FALL in Love with Mysti… Because Every Season Is Better with a Best Friend!
While everyone is searching for pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters, Mysti is searching for something a little more important… a forever home to spend the rest of her seasons.
At 8 years old, Mysti isn’t looking for wild adventures or a packed social calendar. She’s looking for someone to love, a comfortable spot to rest, and a family who won’t mind having a four-legged shadow following them from room to room.
Meet Mysti!
Read more about Mysti
8 years young
60 pounds of sweetness
Dog friendly
Cat friendly
Kid friendly
Fully house trained and even lets you know when she needs to go out!
No crate needed! She’s trustworthy when left home alone.
Great car companion
Enjoys walks and exploring the yard
Up to date on preventatives, heartworm negative, spayed, and microchipped
Why Mysti is the perfect cozy-season companion:
Mysti is the kind of dog who doesn’t need to be the center of attention. She just wants to be wherever you are. Cooking dinner? She’s nearby. Watching football? She’s your couch buddy. Enjoying a quiet fall afternoon? She’s perfectly content just being in the same room.
She may have a little age-related arthritis, but don’t tell Mysti she’s getting older! This girl still enjoys running around her foster family’s fenced yard and soaking up everything life has to offer.
The hardest part? At 8 years old, Mysti has so much love left to give, but older dogs are often overlooked while everyone rushes to adopt the puppies.
Mysti isn’t asking for much. Just a family who will choose her and give her the security of knowing she’s finally home.
And here’s a little extra reason to FALL for her! A generous sponsor has donated toward Mysti’s adoption fee to help this deserving girl find her happily ever after!
Fostered in New Holland, PA
Please share Mysti! Somewhere out there is a family who needs exactly the kind of love this sweet girl has to offer. Let’s help them find each other before another season passes her by.
Apply to adopt Mysti:
www.pack9rescue.org/applications
LIC #9736
We are PA Caring for K-9's, an all-breed dog rescue that is solely run by volunteers. Most of our dogs are rescued from high kill shelters in the South. If the dog is posted, they are still available! Once arriving, these dogs enter foster homes, as we do not have a shelter. We cannot adopt out dogs to a home with dogs that are not fixed or up to date on shots. If interested in adopting, please submit an application online at www.pack9rescue.org. Our adoption fee for altered dogs is $350 and goes directly to saving the lives of more dogs. Our adoption fee for unaltered puppies will be $400 which includes a refundable $50 deposit upon receipt of spay/neuter certificate. Learn more about adopting from us or volunteering for us at www.pack9rescue.org or check us out on Facebook for more information and a complete list of dogs available for adoption. https://www.facebook.com/PaCaringForK9s/
See upcoming events below where PA Caring for K9’s will be with some of our adoptable dogs!
Saturday, October 17, 2026 10am-1pm Ciocca Subaru of York (1202 Loucks Rd, York, PA)
Sunday, October 25, 202612pm-3pm Paws, Protect, and Adopt - State Farm - Mike Murray (2780 Carlisle Rd York, PA)
Sunday, November 1, 2026 9am-12pm Gulliver's Run - Gifford Pinchot Park (Conewago Day Use Area - off Alpine Rd, Wellsville, PA)
Saturday, November 14, 2026 10am-1pm Ciocca Nissan of York (1212 Loucks Rd, York, PA)
Saturday, December 19, 2026 10am-1pm Lowe's East York (2449 E. Market St, York, PA)
Please check our Facebook page closer to each event as we will update daily with dogs who will be attending. All are invited to meet our dogs, but only pre-approved adopters with all household humans and dogs present will be able to adopt at the event. Apply today at https://pack9rescue.org/applications/
- Good with kids
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
- House-trained
9. Mimi
Hi my name is Mimi! Before you get all excited because I am a poodle, please read all about me. I am a sweet girl, but I must have been used mostly for breeding because I am cautious of new people. I will literally run away from you if you move too quickly and when you do pick me up, I will shake even though I eventually will lean into your touch. It was said that I was about 5 years old when I came into rescue. My teeth were so bad that it was rrally hard to tell. Unfortunately my foster recently noticed that I was coughing and took me back in for a other exam. The vet found a slight heart murmur this time and I am currently on medication for this.
Read more about Mimi
I am doing great and my cough has disappeared. I will be on this for the rest of my life. Otherwise I am a very happy and energetic girl. I get along well with all dogs and cats. I would do best with no children as it take me a while just to warm up to adults. I would like an older quieter family with a fenced in yard so I cam go outside to potty and run and play. I need someone who is going to be patient and allow me to trust them so they can spoil me like I deserve to be. Please consider giving me a life like I have never had and apply for me at www.allmuttsmatter.org.
- Good with dogs
- Good with cats
Adopting a senior dog in Lancaster
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 Lancaster
- PA Caring for K-9'sNew Oxford , Pa · 2 senior dogs above
- Castaway Critters, the James A. Hueholt Memorial FoundationHarrisburg, PA · 2 senior dogs above
- Molly's Place RescueMechanicsburg, PA · 1 senior dog above
- Good Old Tails Senior Animal RescueSeven Valleys, PA · 1 senior dog above
- 2nd Chance 4 LifeElizabethtown, PA · 1 senior dog above
- To Love a Canine Rescue, Inc.Kimberton, PA · 1 senior dog above
- All Mutts Matter FoundationWilmington, DE · 1 senior dog above
Questions about adopting senior dogs in Lancaster
How many senior dogs are up for adoption in Lancaster?
As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 50 miles of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, have 14 senior dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a senior dog in Lancaster?
The rescues with the most senior dogs near Lancaster right now are PA Caring for K-9's (New Oxford , Pa), Castaway Critters, the James A. Hueholt Memorial Foundation (Harrisburg, PA) and Molly's Place Rescue (Mechanicsburg, PA). 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.