Cody Swift never has to mow his lawn.

A spur-thighed tortoise named Goliath happily takes care of the often dreaded chore as he lumbers across the yard, chewing the grass along the way.

And as an added bonus, he even eats the dandelions.

Children met Goliath and other reptiles owned by Swift at a program of Shelter Buddies Kids, which meets for four week-long summer sessions at the Humane Society & Shelter SouthCoast.

Participants in Shelter Buddies, who range in age from six to 11, learn about a variety of animals and animal-based careers, according to shelter manager Traci Martin, who also serves as Dartmouth’s animal control officer.

Shelter Buddies features speakers such as veterinarians, animal control officers and specific specialists such as Swift, who operates Swift Reptiles.

The camp teaches participants about animals and careers that allow them to interact with them, Martin said.

Each week, the youngsters visit a farm owned by Sandra Gosselin, who recently retired as Dartmouth’s animal control officer.

Gosselin stresses that caring for animals takes work. Before they can ride the horses, for example, the campers have to clean out the stalls and brush the animals, Martin said.

When presenting his reptiles, Swift also discussed the hard work involved in caring for the cold-blooded creatures.

Goliath, for example, despite his seemingly chill personality as he ambles on the floor during the program, has a tragic backstory.

Police were called to a report of people throwing garbage out their car, Swift told the youngsters.

What they were throwing, in fact, was Goliath.

The tortoise was seriously injured, Swift said, and required considerable time and attention to recover.

Sadly, Swift said, his story is not unique. People sometimes abandon animals such as Goliath when they are no longer cute tiny critters but instead grow too large to house and care for.

Swift often steps in to rescue reptiles from such situations, he said. “We get sick and unhealthy animals and nurse them back to health.’’

His menagerie includes bearded dragons, tree frogs, geckos and snakes.

The only creature Swift wouldn’t let the children touch was one they might well encounter in the area: An American snapping turtle.

“They’re always going to bite you,’’ he said. “Don’t ever pick them up.’’

Goliath, in contrast, appeared unfazed as the children gently patted his multi-colored shell.

The tortoise, Swift noted, was anticipating his upcoming favorite holiday on Oct. 31.

The family’s discarded pumpkins double as one of Goliath’s favorite treats, he explained. “He loves Halloween,’’ Swift said with a smile.