The English translation of Chinese animal idioms plays a positive role in promoting and spreading Chinese culture, and Skopos, the most important theory of the German Functional School can effectively guide the use of more appropriate translation strategies in the process of translation. This paper attempts to explore the translation strategies of Chinese animal idioms from the perspective of Skopos theory, and to illustrate the role of Skopos theory in the translation of these idioms. Through the research, it is found that under the guidance of Skopos theory, the strategy of literal translation of Chinese animal idioms is mostly adopted. It helps to present the true image and meaning of Chinese animal idioms, conforms to the original intention of translation, realizes the purpose of translation.