Post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD) is a condition with high morbidity that develops after major traumatic events. PTSD has a major impact on socio-economic status. The pathogenesis of PTSD and the study of its prevention and treatment have attracted increasing attention. The establishment of animal models plays a crucial role in understanding the clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, and treatment of PTSD. PTSD researchers have successively proposed various animal models and have conducted research at macroscopic and microscopic levels. This review will shed light on the establishment of various animal models and summarize the current status of domestic and foreign research areas. Future research is required to develop effective PTSD animal models that are consistent with the clinical symptoms of human PTSD. In addition, genetic- and epigenetics-related research, exploration regarding the details of traumatic events, and the impact of a wider range of adverse stress interactions on the body may be helpful in uncovering new information regarding PTSD pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions.