Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a new therapy using light of a specific wavelength to selectively activate non-toxic light-sensitive compounds (known as photosensitizer) to kill a variety of pathogens with reactive oxygen species (ROS). It has many advantages including broad antibacterial spectrum, safety in use, and low possibility of resistance, etc. Although the killing effects of PDT in vitro have already been proved, reliable animal models are required to verify the therapeutic parameters in vivo. This review involves research progresses on building animal models for PDT and regimen design of PDT in recent years, aiming to provide reference for future laboratory and clinical researches on treating infectious diseases with PDT.