Yea. I have C-PTSD so consider my cat to be an emotional support animal. He really does help me at times xDActually no, you're thinking of service animals! Service animals need to be trained and certified, emotional support animals are simply any pet that helps with an emotional condition of yours.
That being said, no, I don't consider the cow that made my beef an emotional support animal XD
To answer the question, no. Animals gotta be alive to offer emotional support, lol.