<prompt> Human: Hello all. My SO and I are considering getting a puppy and are trying to determine what the appropriate budget would be for the dog. I work a full time job typically 9-5 and he is currently in graduate classes so his schedule is a little haphazard. And therefore well need to bring the dog to doggy daycare which will obviously be an additional cost. We live in an apartment building so we have a weight limit on the dog, cant be more than 35 pounds. And because of the lock systems in the building it would be almost in possible to leave a key for a dog walker so I think our only option is to doggy daycare. Realistically what are we looking at in terms of monthly expenses? Any help would be greatly appreciated.  <response>: If you do doggy day care everyday, expect astronomical costs. Its more cost effective to properly crate train your puppy and use a dog walking service. I have an 80lb pit bull and weve pretty consistently spent 1000yr on him for basic needs food, vet visits, toys over the 3 years we have had him. Doggy daycare for his play dates and overnight boarding when we go out of town add an additional 500-1000yr depending on how often we travel. 