Stomach cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors, so the establishment of a reliable animal model of this disease has important significance in elucidating its causes and pathogenesis as well as screening the prevention and treatment drugs. At present, the animal models of gastric cancer, according to the level and purpose of study, are classified into long-term induction model, rapid xenograft tumor formation model and other specific models. This paper overviews the current status of the available animal models with regard to the animal selection, creation methods, and scope of application, etc.