A top surface (1218) of an elevating stand (1200) of a pet feeding system defines bowl receptacles (1212, 1214) into which respective food and water bowls (1216) may be removably installed. A first zone of the top surface of the stand includes an upwardly convex ring (1226) that laterally surrounds a respective bowl receptacle. A second zone of the top surface of the stand laterally surrounds the first zone, except as interrupted by a finger notch (1230). Each bowl has a peripheral lip (1240) with a lower surface formed as a downwardly concave ring that fits over the upwardly convex ring of the stand. An edge of the bowl rests on the second zone at a location below the upper limit of the convex ring (1244). A base of the stand cooperates with upstanding ribs (1502, 1504) in an elastomeric mat (1500) to prevent lateral movement of the stand and to prevent rotation of the stand around the stand center.
