Human adenoviruses cause respiratory diseases, conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis and even severe pneumonia. Specific antiviral drugs and vaccines are still unavailable. Animal models that support adenovirus infection and pathogenesis are critical for the study of these viruses and the development of prophylactic and therapeutic strategies. However, the receptors of some human adenoviruses have not yet been identified, most human respiratory adenoviruses cannot infect rodents, and human adenoviruses cannot replicate in rodents due to host restrictions.These factors hamper the establishment of animal models that support adenovirus pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss recent advances in research into human adenovirus receptors, host range restriction factors and animal models, and provide insights for the development of animal models supporting adenovirus infection or/and pathogenesis.