Animal Control is back for its fifth season on Fox, and the full cast list has been confirmed. Joel McHale returns as Frank Shaw, leading the animal-wrangling crew through a major precinct merger that brings former rivals directly into the office. The season premiered on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on Fox, moving to the network’s Sunday comedy lineup after previously airing on Thursdays. The show is also available to stream on Hulu and Disney+ for viewers in the United States and other supported regions.
Joel McHale Returns as Frank Shaw
Joel McHale leads the series as Frank Shaw, a sarcastic senior animal control officer who once worked as a police officer. Frank lost his police job after exposing corruption in the precinct. He has an unusual talent for understanding animals but struggles with people. His rude exterior often hides personal struggles, and he works closely with his partner Shred while clashing with Templeton. McHale also serves as an executive producer on the series.
Michael Rowland as Fred “Shred” Taylor
Michael Rowland returns as Fred “Shred” Taylor, Frank’s positive and somewhat innocent partner. Before joining animal control, Shred was a professional snowboarder or skier. He tries to stay cheerful even when work gets difficult. Shred is in a relationship with Emily, which became public in Season 4 and continues to shape the workplace dynamics in Season 5.
Vella Lovell as Emily Price
Vella Lovell is back as Emily Price, the friendly but often nervous director of the animal control precinct. Emily is socially awkward but energetic, competitive, and creative. She frequently disagrees with Templeton. At the start of Season 5, she is still suspended because of her relationship with Shred, who works under her.
Ravi Patel as Amit Patel
Ravi Patel returns as Amit Patel, an animal control officer and Victoria’s work partner. Amit is family-oriented but often stressed by his large family, including his wife Maya and daughter Addy. When his family travels to India for an extended period due to his mother-in-law’s illness, Amit gains unexpected freedom. This leads him to become more adventurous and get into more trouble during Season 5.
Grace Palmer as Victoria Sands
Grace Palmer returns as Victoria Sands, a fun-loving and practical animal control officer from New Zealand who works with Amit. Victoria has a relaxed personality and enjoys having fun. She shares an ongoing playful relationship with Frank that includes jokes, pranks, and some flirting. In Season 5, she becomes attached to a small pig that bonds strongly with her.
Gerry Dee as Templeton Dudge
Gerry Dee returns as Templeton Dudge, a mean-spirited officer originally from the Central Precinct who becomes a major rival after the merger. Templeton has long been one of Frank’s biggest professional rivals. In Season 5, he moves directly into Frank’s workplace at the precinct. McHale teased that Templeton’s arrival would create “a lot of fireworks” as the two sides are forced together.
Kyla Pratt as Daisy Cannon
Kyla Pratt returns as Daisy Cannon, Templeton’s partner who was introduced and promoted in Season 4. Daisy works alongside Templeton and became a recurring presence before taking on a bigger role. She and Templeton will be working out of Frank’s precinct in Season 5, adding to the “nemeses” dynamic against Frank’s team.
Ken Jeong Returns as Roman Park
Ken Jeong returns in the recurring guest role of Roman Park, an ostentatious dog trainer and influencer. Roman poses a major threat to the precinct in Season 5. He has secured a contract with the city, already shut down one precinct, and is gunning for Frank’s team. Roman’s big advantage is his focus on technology, including drones. Jeong previously appeared in the role during Season 2, reuniting with his former Community co-star Joel McHale.
Krystal Smith as Bettany
Krystal Smith returns as Bettany, Emily’s assistant at the precinct. Bettany has been a recurring presence since Season 2 and continues to appear in Season 5 as part of the expanded office setting following the precinct merger.
Kelli Ogmundson as Dolores Stubb
Kelli Ogmundson returns as Dolores Stubb, the precinct receptionist. Dolores is part of the core office staff and appears in the principal cast information for Season 5.
Alvina August as Dr. Summers
Alvina August returns as Dr. Summers, the precinct veterinarian. Dr. Summers is listed among the principal cast members for Season 5 and completes the district alongside the animal control officers and office staff.
Kevin Bigley as Rick Doyle
Kevin Bigley returns as Rick Doyle, the previous director of the animal control precinct and Frank’s former partner. Rick lost one of his ears to a mink, which resulted in a large settlement from the city. He heads back into the field with Frank during Season 5.
Additional Recurring Cast
Amy Goodmurphy appears as AM Dispatch, providing the voice of the dispatch operator. Chelsea Frei returns as Isabelle, and Lucy Punch appears as Fiona Holcomb.
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How to Watch Animal Control Season 5
Animal Control airs Sundays at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on Fox in the United States. New episodes are available to stream the following day on Hulu and Disney+. In Canada, the series airs on CTV, and in the UK and Australia, it is available through Disney+ and local broadcast partners. Viewers in India can watch on Disney+ Hotstar. The show has also been available on Warner TV Comedy in Germany.
From precinct mergers to piglet bonds, keep up with every Animal Control Season 5 episode only on VvipTimes.
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