Dr. Temple Grandin, a world-renowned advocate for animal welfare and professor of animal sciences at Colorado State University, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Humane Award by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
This prestigious award recognizes non-veterinarians who have made outstanding contributions to the well-being of animals. Dr. Grandin is being honored for her decades of work improving how livestock are treated through science-based design, education, and advocacy. Her efforts have had a lasting impact on animal agriculture across the globe.
For over 35 years, Dr. Grandin has led meaningful change in how food animals are handled and cared for. Her innovative designs for livestock facilities—especially her center track restrainer system—have become the standard in many large beef plants in North America, helping to minimize stress and improve animal welfare.
Her influence extends beyond design. Dr. Grandin developed one of the first objective systems for assessing animal handling in slaughter facilities, which has been adopted by major companies and government agencies. These tools have helped create more humane, transparent practices in the meat industry.
Diagnosed with autism as a child, Dr. Grandin’s visual thinking and deep connection with animals gave her unique insights into how animals perceive their environments. This perspective has guided her career and helped her advocate for practices that prioritize animal comfort and safety.
In addition to her hands-on work in the field, Dr. Grandin is a widely published author, speaker, and educator. She has written hundreds of scientific articles and more than a dozen books, including bestsellers on both animal welfare and neurodiversity. At Colorado State University, she continues to mentor students and share her knowledge at events around the world.
Dr. Grandin has also contributed to AVMA advisory panels on humane slaughter, euthanasia, and depopulation, helping shape national guidelines used by veterinarians and animal producers.
Her lifetime of achievements has earned her numerous honors, including induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and recognition as one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World.” Most recently, she was named one of USA Today’s 2025 Women of the Year and received an honorary veterinary degree from Kansas State University.
Dr. Grandin will accept the Humane Award and speak at the AVMA Convention 2025, taking place July 18–22 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
