WASHINGTON, D.C.: Renowned animal behaviorist and autism advocate Dr. Temple Grandin has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2025 AVMA Humane Award, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) announced in a press release this week. The award will be formally presented at the upcoming AVMA Convention 2025, taking place July 18–22 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
Bestowed annually upon a non-veterinarian, the AVMA Humane Award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to animal welfare through leadership, research, public service, education, product development, or advocacy. The honor is one of three AVMA Animal Welfare and Human-Animal Bond Excellence Awards, supported by Merck Animal Health.
“I’m deeply honored to receive the AVMA Humane Award,” said Dr. Grandin, professor of animal sciences at Colorado State University. “My goal has always been to improve the lives of animals through practical, science-based methods that reduce stress and promote humane treatment.”
With a career spanning over 35 years, Dr. Grandin has revolutionized the livestock industry with humane handling practices that are now the gold standard worldwide. Her center track restrainer system is used in large beef plants across North America, reducing stress and improving welfare for millions of animals. She also developed one of the first objective auditing systems for slaughterhouses, now widely adopted by the USDA and major food corporations such as McDonald’s, setting a global benchmark for humane practices.
Diagnosed with autism at a young age, Dr. Grandin’s unique visual thinking allowed her to deeply empathize with how animals perceive their environments—insight that became the foundation of her groundbreaking contributions to animal science. Her story, portrayed by Claire Danes in the award-winning HBO biopic “Temple Grandin”, has inspired millions and brought critical attention to both autism and animal welfare.
“Dr. Grandin is perhaps the most recognizable figure in the world when it comes to the welfare of food animals,” said Dr. Sandra Faeh, AVMA president. “Her impact on animal agriculture, veterinary guidance, and public awareness is unparalleled.”
A prolific author, Dr. Grandin has published hundreds of research papers and more than a dozen influential books, including her latest, “Visual Thinking,” which explores how neurodiverse minds contribute to innovation in science and society. She has served on key AVMA panels, including those on Euthanasia, Humane Slaughter, and Depopulation, helping shape vital animal welfare policies.
Her numerous accolades include being named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, election to the National Women’s Hall of Fame, and recognition by Time magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. Most recently, she was honored as one of USA Today’s 2025 Women of the Year and received an honorary veterinary degree from Kansas State University in 2023. Dr. Grandin’s lifelong commitment to animal welfare, rooted in both scientific rigor and profound empathy, continues to elevate global standards and inspire a more humane world.
With a career spanning over 35 years, Dr. Grandin has revolutionized the livestock industry with humane handling practices that are now the gold standard worldwide. Her center track restrainer system is used in large beef plants across North America, reducing stress and improving welfare for millions of animals. She also developed one of the first objective auditing systems for slaughterhouses, now widely adopted by the USDA and major food corporations such as McDonald’s, setting a global benchmark for humane practices.
Diagnosed with autism at a young age, Dr. Grandin’s unique visual thinking allowed her to deeply empathize with how animals perceive their environments—insight that became the foundation of her groundbreaking contributions to animal science. Her story, portrayed by Claire Danes in the award-winning HBO biopic “Temple Grandin”, has inspired millions and brought critical attention to both autism and animal welfare.
“Dr. Grandin is perhaps the most recognizable figure in the world when it comes to the welfare of food animals,” said Dr. Sandra Faeh, AVMA president. “Her impact on animal agriculture, veterinary guidance, and public awareness is unparalleled.”
A prolific author, Dr. Grandin has published hundreds of research papers and more than a dozen influential books, including her latest, “Visual Thinking,” which explores how neurodiverse minds contribute to innovation in science and society. She has served on key AVMA panels, including those on Euthanasia, Humane Slaughter, and Depopulation, helping shape vital animal welfare policies.
Her numerous accolades include being named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, election to the National Women’s Hall of Fame, and recognition by Time magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. Most recently, she was honored as one of USA Today’s 2025 Women of the Year and received an honorary veterinary degree from Kansas State University in 2023.
Dr. Grandin’s lifelong commitment to animal welfare, rooted in both scientific rigor and profound empathy, continues to elevate global standards and inspire a more humane world.
