I've lived in Cyprus for 8 years, the plan was to stay there. Moved back to the UK for various reasons and now can't bear it for no other reason than I miss the expat lifestyle. However, I am now single and too old to make mistakes because I have 4 rescue cats and two rescue dogs and me, to ensure a safe and happy retirement...I've lost confidence as my husband had all the knowledge of Spain, not me. However, he did convince me Spain of Portugal was the place to retire to. So, genuine advice only please: I'd like to be by the sea, have safe walks for the dogs and no poisoning issues for the cats. Look I kmow this is a huge general ask but I am trying to find a starting point to move forwards.

One big issue for you will be Brexit. Unless you are very comfortably off, with income over £30,000 a year and able to pay for health insurance for the rest of your life, you will somehow need to make the move by the end of this year to benefit from Brexit withdrawal agreement. To retire in Spain, you need income a little more than state pension and you get lifetime of free healthcare. Also bringing pets into Spain will be much easier this year.
There are expat areas along the costas where you will find easier to settle, with English-speaking professionals readily available. Costa Blanca, Costa Almeria and Costa del Sol are popular. I suggest you rent first (though finding somewhere that allows 6 pets will be difficult).

I would say that other than weather and expats there are very big differences between living in Spain versus Cyprus, they are very different countries. If you have no personal knowledge of Spain? I would suggest as has been mentioned that you rent first to confirm it suits you also much better to be here in Spain before end of transition to take advantage of Withdrawal Agreement and its protections. There is still time but you are cutting it short. I lived for 3 years in Cyprus many years ago but that was military life. One thing I found then and on more recent holidays to Cyprus was English is more common than in Spain. You may think that in an expat area of Spain that won't be a problem? It won't if you socialise with Brits but anything other than that especially dealings with formal bodies medical etc you will need some Spanish or pay for others to do things for you. Good luck whatever you choose

With animals it's vital you get it right from the start, so no point rushing just to meet a deadline and the language can make things moe difficult. Depending what happens, Spain might offer something similar to Portugal. The income requirements are low for Portugal

https://lamarescapela.pt/en/what-is-the-d7-visa/

Hi, butting in from the France forum. If you intended to move to France, you wouldn't be allowed to bring in more than 5 pets (dogs/cats) which would all have to comply with the Regulations. Do get official info from the Spanish Authorities on this subject before you sign anything!
As hinted, unless you speak Spanish, you're going to have to allow Spanish-speaking strangers to intrude in your personal life (health, finances,....). It takes time to make expat friends whom you can trust.....
HTH

Ive been here for 20 years and it still surprises me after all this time. people that you thought that you could trust and depend on and did so much for in the past few years.. just ignore you and look the other way.. unless they want something of course.