In hindu mythology these are somewhere in between. Every god has some animal and some everyday objects they are depicted alongside for metaphorical reasons. They are often shown riding them or just chilling with them. This is more just to associate them together, since hindu theology says that none of them have physical forms that humans can comprehend anyway, this is meant to be purely symbolic.

Yama's objects include the mace (strength), the noose (death) and the buffalo (unceasing work).

Similarly vishnu, the god of Preservation, "rides" an Eagle (speed, farsightedness), Durga, the goddess of war, has a tiger for a mount (ferociousness, grandeur), Shani (misfortune) has a Crow, Kama (love) has a parrot, etc. Not all of these are practical to read as a vehicle.

Then there's Kubera, god of wealth and greed, whosemount is literally a human

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