For over a decade, Malinda Bustos has served as president of the nonprofit Humane Society of the Desert (HSD) in North Palm Springs, California. She directs the society’s Orphan Pet Oasis, an animal rescue shelter that provides compassionate care for over 90 dogs and more than 20 cats. During her tenure, Malinda Bustos has overseen numerous structural improvements to the shelter, helped establish professional dog training classes, and led the growth of the eight-acre facility to its current status as the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in Southern California. She ensures that all dogs at Orphan Pet Oasis receive a daily walk and works with the adoption manager to operate a program that places 80 percent of the shelter’s animals with new owners.

Along with running Orphan Pet Oasis, Ms. Bustos oversees HSD’s Animal Hospital of Desert Hot Springs, which provides spay and neutering, dental care, surgical procedures, radiography, and other health services. She also organizes several fundraisers each year to secure the financial resources necessary to sustain HSD.

Within the local community, Malinda Bustos provides animal welfare education and therapeutic services. She presents seminars to teach local middle and high school students about conscientious pet ownership. Accompanied by the animal hospital’s mascot and pet therapy dog Mattie, Ms. Bustos also visits assisted living centers to provide residents with the experience of animal companionship.