Rescue groups can start applying to find permanent homes for pit bulls seized from NFL quarterback Michael Vick's dogfighting operation in Surry County.

Rebecca Huss, an animal law expert and the dogs' court-appointed guardian, made an application form available Friday. It's the latest step in the process of overseeing the placement or euthanasia of 48 dogs from Vick's Bad Newz Kennels operation.

Huss was appointed by the federal judge overseeing the case and started her evaluation of the dogs last week. The animals have been held in shelters in Virginia since April, when they were seized in a raid on Vick's property.

Huss said in a news release that some of the dogs that showed no signs of aggression or threat "are now with experienced foster families" for further evaluation.

According to a court order in the case, only established rescue groups will be eligible to take custody of the dogs.

The applications must be returned to Huss no later than November 12 so that federal inspectors can inspect the sites where the dogs would be housed.