The effect of anisotropy on the ultrasound wave generation and propagation in the unidirectional fiber-reinforced composite plate has been investigated. A quantitative numerical model for the laser-generated ultrasound in the thermoelastic regime was presented by using a finite element method. All factors, such as spatial and time distributions of the incident laser beam, optical penetration, thermal diffusivity, and source-receiver distance can be taken into account. Numerical results show that the effect on ultrasound waveform of the size of the laser volume source produces strong bipolar longitudinal waves and improves the amplitude and directivity of the longitudinal waves. A fiber-reinforced composite material exhibits isotropic or homogenous behavior for ultrasonic wave propagation perpendicular to the fiber direction. For ultrasonic propagation along the fiber direction, ultrasonic dispersion resulting from the inhomogeneous nature of the material affects the laser ultrasonic waveforms. As the dimensions of the laser pulse are increased in space and time, the displacement waveform becomes broader and its magnitude decreases.