The animal commonly associated with the Egyptian god Anubis is the jackal. Anubis serves as the god of embalming and the protector of the dead, overseeing the process of mummification. His jackal-like appearance symbolizes his role in guarding tombs and guiding souls in the afterlife. In Egyptian belief, Anubis was crucial in ensuring safe passage to the underworld, reflecting the significance of death and the afterlife in their culture.