The company name Mars Inc. evokes images of M&M’s, Snickers and Dove chocolate, and possibly Wrigley chewing gum.

Soon, a majority of its business will be related to pets, thanks to a $7.7 billion acquisition announced Monday.

Mars agreed to buy VCA, a company that owns about 800 animal hospitals, a lab business and dog day care franchises that operate under the name Camp Bow Wow. VCA will be part of Mars Petcare but will operate as a “distinct and separate business unit,” the companies said in a statement on Monday.

Poul Weihrauch, the president of Mars Petcare, said in an interview that Mars’ “love story” with pets goes back to 1935. That year, Forrest Mars Sr. bought Chappell Brothers, giving the candy company access to Chappie brand canned dog food.