A couple who made it their mission to save animals by launching their own sanctuary now plan to start offering on-site accommodation to guests.

Robin Peterson and his partner Juliana Andrade left their life in London three and a half years ago to open The Little Sanctuary in the countryside near Attleborough.

Since then, the self-funded venture has grown to make space for 12 new animals, including chickens and sheep saved from slaughter, dogs from China and Romania and a cat from Spain. 

Eastern Daily Press: Robin Peterson and his partner Juliana Andrade left their life in London three and a half years agoRobin Peterson and his partner Juliana Andrade left their life in London three and a half years ago (Image: Little Sanctuary)

Eastern Daily Press: They now care for 12 animalsThey now care for 12 animals (Image: Little Sanctuary)

Eastern Daily Press: They include chickens and lambs saved from slaughter and dogs from China and RomaniaThey include chickens and lambs saved from slaughter and dogs from China and Romania (Image: Little Sanctuary)

Mr Peterson said offering guest accommodation could help to fund the animals' care which can often prove costly. 

The most recent vet bill came to around £2,500 after 10-year-old pig Ophelia suffered a prolapse of the uterus and was found with a tumour.

READ MORE: 26 vulnerable horses rescued from smuggling bid being cared for in Norfolk

She required veterinary callouts, ultrasounds, CT scans and a hysterectomy and lost a lot of weight but is now slowly on the mend. 

As well as bringing in more money, Mr Peterson said offering their farmhouse's guest rooms as accommodation could help inform people about animal rights and showcase his partner's delicious vegan cooking. 

Eastern Daily Press: Ophelia the pig recently suffered a uterine prolapse costing £2,500Ophelia the pig recently suffered a uterine prolapse costing £2,500 (Image: Little Sanctuary)

Eastern Daily Press: Ophelia lost a lot of weight but is slowly on the mend Ophelia lost a lot of weight but is slowly on the mend (Image: Little Sanctuary)

Eastern Daily Press: The couple hope the accommodation will also be a chance to raise awareness of animal rightsThe couple hope the accommodation will also be a chance to raise awareness of animal rights (Image: Little Sanctuary)

"Being able to do this means everything to us," he explained. "It's so important to treat animals as equals.

"We want to raise awareness of how we treat animals and make people realise that they're living beings with feelings and emotions of their own."

Updates on the guest accommodation will be available in due course.

The sanctuary is currently fundraising for help to pay Ophelia's bill and donors have the chance to win a stay at Hempsall Farm Luxury Vegan Glamping in Cambridge.

More information about both can be found on the Little Sanctuary website.