Some pets are admitted with infectious diseases (for example, we had two cases of leptospirosis last year). We therefore need areas where stray pets and those with signs of infectious disease can be kept away from others.
Our cat isolation ward is upstairs while our dog isolation is downstairs. For the dogs this enables us to use a completely separate entrance/ exit for their walks which minimises any chance of cross-infection.
For both wards we keep equipment totally separate and our nurses and vets will wear protective clothing when working with patients in there