Is the word animal the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The word "animal" is spelled identically and carries the same fundamental meaning in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation.

In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are generally more open, and the "a" sounds are more distinct. In Continental Portuguese, vowels are often more closed or reduced (sometimes sounding like a short "uh" sound), and the "l" at the end of the word is typically pronounced as a clear consonant [l], whereas in many Brazilian dialects, it is vocalized into a [w] or [u] sound.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu amo todos os animais. (I love all animals.)
2. Esse cachorro é um animal muito calmo. (This dog is a very calm animal.)
3. Ele é um animal de carga. (He is a beast of burden.)
4. O zoológico tem muitos animais diferentes. (The zoo has many different animals.)
5. Cuidado, esse animal é perigoso! (Watch out, this animal is dangerous!)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Eu amo todos os animais. (I love all animals.)
2. Esse cão é um animal muito calmo. (This dog is a very calm animal.)
3. Ele é um animal de carga. (He is a beast of burden.)
4. O zoo tem muitos animais diferentes. (The zoo has many different animals.)
5. Cuidado, esse animal é perigoso! (Watch out, this animal is dangerous!)