Stroke remains the leading cause of adult disability all over the world. Animal stroke models provide an important neural underlying motor recovery as well as the efficacy of various rehabilitative therapies for enhancing functional recovery. This article reviewed the most commonly used ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke models in rats emphasizing their advantages and disadvantages. In addition, we described the various behavioral tasks for assessing the sensorimotor or the cognitive function after stroke model. Finally, we discused several methodological issues and general considerations for conducting research using rat model of stroke.