Biography
“We want to create an environment where we have empathetic, trauma-informed animal protection officers who can help people in the community and help animals in the community,”
Who is Daniel?
Daniel Ettinger is an animal welfare leader, educator, and advocate with 17 years of experience advancing the field of animal welfare, animal control, and community-based animal services. He began his career in 2009 as a volunteer at a wolf sanctuary and animal shelter, where he discovered his passion for helping people help animals.
Starting as an Animal Control Officer, Daniel gained extensive field experience in cruelty investigations, neglect cases, public safety response, and community engagement. As a Field Training Officer, he mentored and developed new officers, helping them build the skills, confidence, and decision-making abilities needed to succeed in challenging environments. He later advanced into leadership roles, including serving as a Field Services Manager, where he has overseen animal control operations, supported professional development, and helped guide teams dedicated to public safety and animal welfare.
Daniel’s diverse background includes experience with nonprofit organizations, municipal shelters, law enforcement agencies, and public-sector animal services, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing modern animal welfare.
Beyond his professional roles, Daniel is the host of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, a platform dedicated to elevating conversations across the animal welfare profession. Through discussions with industry leaders, advocates, and professionals working in the field, the podcast explores the challenges, innovations, and people shaping the future of animal welfare.
Recognized as an international speaker and educator, Daniel is known for challenging stereotypes and promoting proactive, ethical approaches to animal services. Through his training programs, public speaking, and leadership initiatives, he works to strengthen the connection between public safety, community trust, and humane animal care—helping organizations evolve while remaining committed to their mission.
Starting as an Animal Control Officer, Daniel gained extensive field experience in cruelty investigations, neglect cases, public safety response, and community engagement. As a Field Training Officer, he mentored and developed new officers, helping them build the skills, confidence, and decision-making abilities needed to succeed in challenging environments. He later advanced into leadership roles, including serving as a Field Services Manager, where he has overseen animal control operations, supported professional development, and helped guide teams dedicated to public safety and animal welfare.
Daniel’s diverse background includes experience with nonprofit organizations, municipal shelters, law enforcement agencies, and public-sector animal services, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing modern animal welfare.
Beyond his professional roles, Daniel is the host of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, a platform dedicated to elevating conversations across the animal welfare profession. Through discussions with industry leaders, advocates, and professionals working in the field, the podcast explores the challenges, innovations, and people shaping the future of animal welfare.
Recognized as an international speaker and educator, Daniel is known for challenging stereotypes and promoting proactive, ethical approaches to animal services. Through his training programs, public speaking, and leadership initiatives, he works to strengthen the connection between public safety, community trust, and humane animal care—helping organizations evolve while remaining committed to their mission.
Courses Taught
2013 Communications | CAACO Spring Training
2014Breed Identification | CAACO Spring TrainingCommunications | CAACO Spring TrainingBreed Identification | CAACO Spring TrainingHumane Education | Denver Public SchoolsCanine Behavior and Handling |Denver Sheriff DepartmentLean Methodology | NACA Annual TrainingUnleashing Laughter: (The Benefits of Humane Humor) | NACA Annual TrainingUnleashing Laughter | Pueblo Animal ServicesUnleashing Laughter | Ohio County Dog Wardens Association (OCDWA)2014 Verbal De-Escalation | OCDWA
2015Canine Behavior and Handling | US Parole Officers ColoradoUnleashing Laughter | CAACO Spring TrainingUnleashing Laughter | Prairie States Animal Welfare Conference *Keynote SpeakerVerbal De-Escalation Techniques | NACA Annual TrainingHumane Education | Denver Public SchoolsVerbal De-Escalation |Texas Animal Control Association (TACA) 2016Unleashing Laughter | Utah Animal Control Officers AssociationLean Methodology | Midwest Veterinary ConferenceUnleashing Laughter | Midwest Veterinary Conference Verbal De-Escalation | Midwest Veterinary ConferenceUnleashing Laughter | TACAHumane Education | Denver Public Schools 2018Verbal De-Escalation | Texas Unites for AnimalsHumane Education | Denver Public SchoolsDropping the Dog Catcher by the Pound | Texas Unties for AnimalsCanine Behavior and Handling | Denver Sheriff’s Dept 2019Verbal De-Escalation |Denver Public Health and EnvironmentDropping the Dog Catcher and the Pound |FACAGeneral Lecture| Denver UniversityDog Bite Safety | Colorado State UniversityHumane Education | Denver Public SchoolsDropping the Dog Catcher and the Pound | TACADog Breed ID Showdown | TACADisaster Response | Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI)Animal Law & History | LETIOfficer Survival | LETIAnimal Handling | LETIAnimal Behavior | LETIAnimal Sex Crimes | LETIRelationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | LETIRitual Crimes | LETIBlood Sports | LETICase Building | LETIDangerous Dog Encounters | Denver Sheriff’s DepartmentDog Bite Prevention | United States Postal ServicesColorado Dog Protection Act | Denver Police AcademyGeneral Lecture | University of New Haven Connecticut 2020Colorado Dog Protection Act | Denver Police AcademyDog Breed ID Showdown | FACAHumane Education | Denver Public SchoolsVerbal De Escalation | HSUS ExpoAnimal Hoarding | LETIRelationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence |LETIInteracting with Animal Rescues | LETISovereign Citizens | U.S. Army Military Police SchoolVerbal De Escalation | LETIDropping the Dog Catcher and the Pound | LETIGeneral Lecture | University of New Haven ConnecticutGeneral Lecture| Denver University 2021Relationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | U.S. Army Military Police School x2Interacting with Animal Rescues | LETIHUMANEizing the Badge | LETIAnimal Hoarding | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Blood Sports | U.S. Army Military Police School x2Body Condition Scoring | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Animal Law and History | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Sovereign Citizens | LETIVerbal De Escalation | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Verbal De Escalation | Virginia Animal Control AssociationVerbal De Escalation | Missouri Animal Control Association (MACA)HUMANEizing the Badge | MACAHUMANEizing the Badge | TACAColorado Dog Protection Act | Denver Police AcademyGeneral Lecture | University of New Haven ConnecticutGeneral Lecture| Denver UniversityUnwrapping Mistakes | Code 3 Associates 2022Relationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Animal Sexual Assault | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Body Condition Scoring | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Animal Hoarding | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Blood Sports | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Animal Law and History | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Verbal De Escalation | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Mock Crime Scene | U.S. Army Military Police School x4General Lecture | Ciudad de MéxicoGeneral Lecture| Denver UniversityColorado Dog Protection Act | Denver Police Academy x3HUMANEizing the Badge | U.S. Army Military Police SchoolLeading Conversations | NACAUnleashing Laughter | CarolinasUniteVerbal De Escalation | CarolinasUniteHUMANEizing the Badge | CarolinasUniteRelationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | FACAVerbal De Escalation | Prairie States Animal Welfare ConferenceDropping the Dog Catcher and the Pound | Greenville County SC Animal Care x2Hoarding | Greenville County SC Animal Care x2Dog Breed Identification | Greenville County SC Animal Care x2Verbal De Escalation | Greenville County SC Animal Care x2Dog Breed Identification | North Carolina Animal & Rabies Control (NCARCA)ConferenceHUMANEizing the Badge | NCARCA ConferenceVerbal De Escalation | NCARCA ConferenceGeneral Lecture | University of New Haven ConnecticutScratching the Surface of Bites | TACABlood Sports | Summit County Colorado2022 2022 Animal Sexual Assault | Summit County ColoradoRelationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | Summit County Colorado
2023HUMANEizing the Badge | Midwest Veterinary ConferenceDropping the Dog Catcher and the Pound | Midwest Veterinary ConferenceRelationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | Midwest Veterinary ConferenceDog Breed Identification | Midwest Veterinary ConferenceScratching the Surface of Bites | FACAAnimal Sexual Assault | U.S. Army Military Police School x 4Body Condition Scoring | U.S. Army Military Police School x 4Animal Hoarding | U.S. Army Military Police School x 4Blood Sports | U.S. Army Military Police School x 4Animal Law and History | U.S. Army Military Police School x 4Mock Crime Scene | U.S. Army Military Police School x 4Relationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | Arizona Animal Control Association (AZACA)Animal Sexual Assault | AZACADropping the Dog Catcher and the Pound | AZACAVerbal De Escalation |New England Federation of Humane SocietiesAnimal Law and History | Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers (MAACO)Relationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | MAACOBody Condition Scoring | MAACOExamining Cruelty and Neglect | MAACO 2023 General Lecture | University of DenverScratching the Surface of Bites | Prairie States Animal Welfare ConferenceVerbal De Escalation | Illinois Animal Control Association (IACA)Dog Breed Identification | IACABody Condition Scoring | IACADog Behavior and Handling | IACAVerbal De Escalation | Keep it Humane WebinarVerbal De Escalation | Animal Care and Control Association of Tennessee (ACCAT)Scratching the Surface of Bites | ACCATScratching the Surface of Bites | Keept it Humane WebinarVerbal De Escalation X2 | Oregon Animal Control Council (OACC)Dropping the Dog Catcher and the Pounds (OACC)Introducing SMART Shelters |TACARelationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | Connecticut Humane SocietyVerbal De-Escalation: Stepping Back from the Edge | Connecticut Humane SocietyInteractive Case Study (Animal Cruelty/Neglect) | Connecticut Humane SocietyGeneral Lecture | University of New Haven ConnecticutGeneral Lecture | Denver University
2024Biting Back: The Link Between Domestic Violence and Dog Bite | Keep it Humane WebinarAnimal Sexual Assault | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Body Condition Scoring | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Animal Hoarding | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Blood Sports | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Animal Law and History | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Mock Crime Scene | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Relationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Biting Back: The Link Between Domestic Violence and Dog Bite | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Introducing SMART Shelters | Greenville County SC Animal CareVerbal De-Escalation | Ventura County Animal Services x2Compassion Fatigue Interactive Workshop | AZACAIntroducing SMART Shelters |AZACADog Breed ID Showdown |AZACAVerbal De Escalation | South Carolina Animal Care & Control Association (SCACCA)Compassion Fatigue Interactive Workship | SCACCAVerbal De Escalation | New England Animal Control/Humane Academy (NEACHA)Introducing SMART Shelters | NEACHARelationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | NEACHARelationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence |United States Army Behavior Health Division General Lecture | University of New Haven ConnecticutGeneral Lecture | Denver University Scratching the Surface of Bites | CalAnimalsDropping the Dog Catcher by the Pound | Ohio Animal Welfare Federation Introducing SMART Shelters | New Mexico Humane Conference TACA | Examining Animal Cruelty & Neglect
2025Humane Leadership | CalAnimalsAnimal Sexual Assault | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Body Condition Scoring | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Animal Hoarding | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Blood Sports | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Animal Law and History | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Mock Crime Scene | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Biting Back: The Link Between Domestic Violence and Dog Bite x3Relationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Relationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence |United States Army Behavior Health Division x2General Lecture | Denver University Humane Leadership | New Mexico Humane ConferenceRelationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence for Social Workers | Connecticut Humane SocietyAnimal Hoarding| Connecticut Humane SocietyBiting Back: The Link Between Domestic Violence and Dog Bites | TACA 2026Humane Leadership | CalAnimalsAnimal Sexual Assault | Ft. Benning, GABody Condition Scoring | Ft. Benning, GAAnimal Hoarding | Ft. Benning, GABlood Sports | Ft. Benning, GAAnimal Law and History | Ft. Benning, GA AI in Animal Welfare |AZACA AI in Animal Welfare |Cedar Hill, TXIntroducing SMART Shelters | Cedar Hill, TXDog Breed ID Showdown |Cedar Hill, TX Relationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence |United States Army Behavior Health Division
2015Canine Behavior and Handling | US Parole Officers ColoradoUnleashing Laughter | CAACO Spring TrainingUnleashing Laughter | Prairie States Animal Welfare Conference *Keynote SpeakerVerbal De-Escalation Techniques | NACA Annual TrainingHumane Education | Denver Public SchoolsVerbal De-Escalation |Texas Animal Control Association (TACA) 2016Unleashing Laughter | Utah Animal Control Officers AssociationLean Methodology | Midwest Veterinary ConferenceUnleashing Laughter | Midwest Veterinary Conference Verbal De-Escalation | Midwest Veterinary ConferenceUnleashing Laughter | TACAHumane Education | Denver Public Schools 2018Verbal De-Escalation | Texas Unites for AnimalsHumane Education | Denver Public SchoolsDropping the Dog Catcher by the Pound | Texas Unties for AnimalsCanine Behavior and Handling | Denver Sheriff’s Dept 2019Verbal De-Escalation |Denver Public Health and EnvironmentDropping the Dog Catcher and the Pound |FACAGeneral Lecture| Denver UniversityDog Bite Safety | Colorado State UniversityHumane Education | Denver Public SchoolsDropping the Dog Catcher and the Pound | TACADog Breed ID Showdown | TACADisaster Response | Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI)Animal Law & History | LETIOfficer Survival | LETIAnimal Handling | LETIAnimal Behavior | LETIAnimal Sex Crimes | LETIRelationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | LETIRitual Crimes | LETIBlood Sports | LETICase Building | LETIDangerous Dog Encounters | Denver Sheriff’s DepartmentDog Bite Prevention | United States Postal ServicesColorado Dog Protection Act | Denver Police AcademyGeneral Lecture | University of New Haven Connecticut 2020Colorado Dog Protection Act | Denver Police AcademyDog Breed ID Showdown | FACAHumane Education | Denver Public SchoolsVerbal De Escalation | HSUS ExpoAnimal Hoarding | LETIRelationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence |LETIInteracting with Animal Rescues | LETISovereign Citizens | U.S. Army Military Police SchoolVerbal De Escalation | LETIDropping the Dog Catcher and the Pound | LETIGeneral Lecture | University of New Haven ConnecticutGeneral Lecture| Denver University 2021Relationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | U.S. Army Military Police School x2Interacting with Animal Rescues | LETIHUMANEizing the Badge | LETIAnimal Hoarding | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Blood Sports | U.S. Army Military Police School x2Body Condition Scoring | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Animal Law and History | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Sovereign Citizens | LETIVerbal De Escalation | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Verbal De Escalation | Virginia Animal Control AssociationVerbal De Escalation | Missouri Animal Control Association (MACA)HUMANEizing the Badge | MACAHUMANEizing the Badge | TACAColorado Dog Protection Act | Denver Police AcademyGeneral Lecture | University of New Haven ConnecticutGeneral Lecture| Denver UniversityUnwrapping Mistakes | Code 3 Associates 2022Relationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Animal Sexual Assault | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Body Condition Scoring | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Animal Hoarding | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Blood Sports | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Animal Law and History | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Verbal De Escalation | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Mock Crime Scene | U.S. Army Military Police School x4General Lecture | Ciudad de MéxicoGeneral Lecture| Denver UniversityColorado Dog Protection Act | Denver Police Academy x3HUMANEizing the Badge | U.S. Army Military Police SchoolLeading Conversations | NACAUnleashing Laughter | CarolinasUniteVerbal De Escalation | CarolinasUniteHUMANEizing the Badge | CarolinasUniteRelationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | FACAVerbal De Escalation | Prairie States Animal Welfare ConferenceDropping the Dog Catcher and the Pound | Greenville County SC Animal Care x2Hoarding | Greenville County SC Animal Care x2Dog Breed Identification | Greenville County SC Animal Care x2Verbal De Escalation | Greenville County SC Animal Care x2Dog Breed Identification | North Carolina Animal & Rabies Control (NCARCA)ConferenceHUMANEizing the Badge | NCARCA ConferenceVerbal De Escalation | NCARCA ConferenceGeneral Lecture | University of New Haven ConnecticutScratching the Surface of Bites | TACABlood Sports | Summit County Colorado2022 2022 Animal Sexual Assault | Summit County ColoradoRelationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | Summit County Colorado
2023HUMANEizing the Badge | Midwest Veterinary ConferenceDropping the Dog Catcher and the Pound | Midwest Veterinary ConferenceRelationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | Midwest Veterinary ConferenceDog Breed Identification | Midwest Veterinary ConferenceScratching the Surface of Bites | FACAAnimal Sexual Assault | U.S. Army Military Police School x 4Body Condition Scoring | U.S. Army Military Police School x 4Animal Hoarding | U.S. Army Military Police School x 4Blood Sports | U.S. Army Military Police School x 4Animal Law and History | U.S. Army Military Police School x 4Mock Crime Scene | U.S. Army Military Police School x 4Relationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | Arizona Animal Control Association (AZACA)Animal Sexual Assault | AZACADropping the Dog Catcher and the Pound | AZACAVerbal De Escalation |New England Federation of Humane SocietiesAnimal Law and History | Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers (MAACO)Relationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | MAACOBody Condition Scoring | MAACOExamining Cruelty and Neglect | MAACO 2023 General Lecture | University of DenverScratching the Surface of Bites | Prairie States Animal Welfare ConferenceVerbal De Escalation | Illinois Animal Control Association (IACA)Dog Breed Identification | IACABody Condition Scoring | IACADog Behavior and Handling | IACAVerbal De Escalation | Keep it Humane WebinarVerbal De Escalation | Animal Care and Control Association of Tennessee (ACCAT)Scratching the Surface of Bites | ACCATScratching the Surface of Bites | Keept it Humane WebinarVerbal De Escalation X2 | Oregon Animal Control Council (OACC)Dropping the Dog Catcher and the Pounds (OACC)Introducing SMART Shelters |TACARelationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | Connecticut Humane SocietyVerbal De-Escalation: Stepping Back from the Edge | Connecticut Humane SocietyInteractive Case Study (Animal Cruelty/Neglect) | Connecticut Humane SocietyGeneral Lecture | University of New Haven ConnecticutGeneral Lecture | Denver University
2024Biting Back: The Link Between Domestic Violence and Dog Bite | Keep it Humane WebinarAnimal Sexual Assault | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Body Condition Scoring | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Animal Hoarding | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Blood Sports | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Animal Law and History | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Mock Crime Scene | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Relationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Biting Back: The Link Between Domestic Violence and Dog Bite | U.S. Army Military Police School x4Introducing SMART Shelters | Greenville County SC Animal CareVerbal De-Escalation | Ventura County Animal Services x2Compassion Fatigue Interactive Workshop | AZACAIntroducing SMART Shelters |AZACADog Breed ID Showdown |AZACAVerbal De Escalation | South Carolina Animal Care & Control Association (SCACCA)Compassion Fatigue Interactive Workship | SCACCAVerbal De Escalation | New England Animal Control/Humane Academy (NEACHA)Introducing SMART Shelters | NEACHARelationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | NEACHARelationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence |United States Army Behavior Health Division General Lecture | University of New Haven ConnecticutGeneral Lecture | Denver University Scratching the Surface of Bites | CalAnimalsDropping the Dog Catcher by the Pound | Ohio Animal Welfare Federation Introducing SMART Shelters | New Mexico Humane Conference TACA | Examining Animal Cruelty & Neglect
2025Humane Leadership | CalAnimalsAnimal Sexual Assault | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Body Condition Scoring | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Animal Hoarding | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Blood Sports | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Animal Law and History | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Mock Crime Scene | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Biting Back: The Link Between Domestic Violence and Dog Bite x3Relationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence | U.S. Army Military Police School x3Relationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence |United States Army Behavior Health Division x2General Lecture | Denver University Humane Leadership | New Mexico Humane ConferenceRelationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence for Social Workers | Connecticut Humane SocietyAnimal Hoarding| Connecticut Humane SocietyBiting Back: The Link Between Domestic Violence and Dog Bites | TACA 2026Humane Leadership | CalAnimalsAnimal Sexual Assault | Ft. Benning, GABody Condition Scoring | Ft. Benning, GAAnimal Hoarding | Ft. Benning, GABlood Sports | Ft. Benning, GAAnimal Law and History | Ft. Benning, GA AI in Animal Welfare |AZACA AI in Animal Welfare |Cedar Hill, TXIntroducing SMART Shelters | Cedar Hill, TXDog Breed ID Showdown |Cedar Hill, TX Relationship of Animal Abuse and Family Violence |United States Army Behavior Health Division